What Is the Smallest Angle of Incidence for Light to Enter and Exit a Prism?

AI Thread Summary
To determine the smallest angle of incidence for light to enter and exit an isosceles prism with an apex angle of 56.1° and an index of refraction of 1.42, one must consider the critical angle at the exit face. The critical angle can be calculated using Snell's Law, which relates the angles of incidence and refraction to the indices of refraction. By working backward from the critical angle, the minimum angle of incidence can be derived. This approach ensures that light can successfully pass through the prism without total internal reflection. Understanding these principles is essential for solving the problem effectively.
NW8800
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Hey,

I have a problem.,. I am trying to figure out smallest angle of incidence θ for which a ray can enter the left face of the prism (seen in the pic below) and exit the right face.

The infomation I have:

The isosceles prism has apex angle φ = 56.1° and index of refraction n = 1.42

Diagram:
http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/5857/fig3355xp0.gif

Can someone giver me an answer on this?

Thanks,

NW
 

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Work backwards from the critical angle at exit.
 
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