Violet light refraction from air to glass

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the refraction of violet light through a 60° glass prism with a refractive index of 1.651. The user seeks assistance in calculating the angle of refraction at the air-glass boundary, the critical angle for violet light exiting the glass, and the velocity of violet light within the prism. Key formulas mentioned include Snell's Law, n = sin(i°)/sin(r°), and the relationship between wavelength and refractive index. The user encounters confusion regarding the calculation of sin(r) and the application of the refractive index.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Snell's Law in optics
  • Familiarity with the concept of refractive index
  • Basic knowledge of light behavior in different media
  • Ability to perform trigonometric calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the angle of refraction using Snell's Law for the air-glass boundary
  • Determine the critical angle for violet light using the formula sin(critical angle) = 1/n
  • Compute the velocity of violet light in the prism using the formula v = c/n
  • Explore the effects of different wavelengths on refraction in various materials
USEFUL FOR

Students studying optics, physics educators, and professionals in fields involving light behavior and material properties will benefit from this discussion.

batcave1985
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A ray of violet light enters a 60° glass prism at an angle of incidence of 40°. If the refractive
index of the prism material for violet light is 1.651

calculate:

(a) The angle of refraction for the air-glass boundary

(b) The critical angle for violet leaving the glass

(c) The velocity of the violet light in the prism

any help would be great.

at the moment I am on a)

i know that n=sin(i°)/sin(r°)

the wavelength of light is n=λair/λmedium( violet light)
= 1/1.651 = 0.6

sin(r)=sin(60)/0.6 = 1.4 but when i try to get the angle i get nothing.
 
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n=sin(i°)/sin(r°)
n is larger than 1, so sin(r°) has to be smaller than sin(i°).
Why did you take the inverse of n in your calculation?
 

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