What Is the Refractive Index of the Glass Slab?

  • Thread starter Thread starter sachin123
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Glass Mirror
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The refractive index of the glass slab in the given problem is determined to be 1.5, contrary to the incorrect calculation of 3. The problem involves an object placed 8 cm in front of a 6 cm thick glass slab, which is silvered at one end. The final image is formed 10 cm behind the mirror, leading to the equation 8 + 6 - 6/n = 10 + 6/n, which simplifies to the correct refractive index of 1.5 when solved accurately.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of optics, specifically the concepts of refraction and the refractive index.
  • Familiarity with the lens maker's formula and its application in optical problems.
  • Basic algebra skills for solving equations involving variables.
  • Knowledge of image formation in mirrors and lenses.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of refraction and the calculation of refractive indices in different materials.
  • Learn about the lens maker's formula and its applications in optical design.
  • Explore the concept of apparent distance and how it affects image formation in optical systems.
  • Practice solving problems involving mirrors and lenses to reinforce understanding of image formation.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying optics, physics educators, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of light behavior in various media.

sachin123
Messages
117
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Please see here:
http://img198.imageshack.us/i/unledev.jpg/

object placed 8 cm before the slab(6 cm thick,silvered at other end).
The final image is formed 10 cm behind the mirror.Find refractive index of slab.

2. The attempt at a solution

n is refractive index
Okay.
So the object 'sees' the mirror at a smaller distance due to normal shift.
it sees the mirror at a distance:

8 + 6- 6/n cm

so the image as seen by the object will be at twice the object distance,
or
at 8 + 6- 6/n cm from the apparent position of the mirror.
It is given that the image is formed at a distance from 10 cm behind the actual mirror.
So,
I get to equate,
8 + 6- 6/n and 10 + 6/n.

so 8 + 6- 6/n =10 + 6/n.
which leads me to n=3.
But the answer is 1.5?

What mistake have I made?Please help me get the concept right.
This mistake keeps happening to me:cry:
I appreciate any help
 
Physics news on Phys.org
At least please tell me what I should be doing if you didn't understand my working.
 

Similar threads

Find the location of the diver's reflection in the convex mirror
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
1K
Mirror placed horizontally between two half convex lenses
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Multiple reflections in a mirror system
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Concave mirror reflection, problems with drawing setup
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Glass prism and its refractive index
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Could the Image from the First Mirror Be Real for the Second Mirror?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Optics. A laser beam is refracted in a piece of glass.
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Is the Solution for Rotation of Spherical Mirrors Incorrect?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Position of the image of an object placed in water
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Are the 2nd and 3rd problems in this video correctly solved? (charged dipole and organ pipe problems)
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K