What Is the Angle of Refraction for a Light Ray Incident on Glass at 30 Degrees?

[o0sunny0o]

Refraction -- A light ray is incedent on a block of glass at an angle of 30 degrees

Homework Statement

A light ray is incedent on a block of glass at an angle of 30 degrees,what is the angle of refraction.

Given: glass: 1.47
incident angle:30°

Homework Equations

π1 sin θ1 = π2 sin θ2

The Attempt at a Solution

I did: (1.47) sin (30)= π2 sin θ2
But I don't think this is the answer. I'm helping a friend but the problem don't say what the other medium is...

 

[collinsmark]

Hello o0sunny0o,

Welcome to Physics Forums!

Homework Statement

A light ray is incedent on a block of glass at an angle of 30 degrees,what is the angle of refraction.

Given: glass: 1.47
incident angle:30°

Homework Equations

π1 sin θ1 = π2 sin θ2

The Attempt at a Solution

I did: (1.47) sin (30)= π2 sin θ2
But I don't think this is the answer. I'm helping a friend but the problem don't say what the other medium is...

I'm guessing that the original medium is air. The second medium is glass.

I'll also assume that the 30^o angle is measured with respect to the perpendicular*, and measured outside the glass (i.e. in the air). If so, treat your

n₁ sinθ₁ = n₂ sinθ₂​

formula as

(Index of refraction of air)(sine of angle in air) = (index of refraction of glass)(sine of angle in glass)​

*The problem statement is is vague about what the angle is in reference to; perpendicular or parallel. I'm assuming it's in reference to the perpendicular, but that's just my assumption. I don't know for sure. A figure would certainly clear things up.

 

[o0sunny0o]

thank you for the answer^^