Where Do Parallel Light Rays Focus When Entering a Glass Hemisphere?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of parallel light rays entering a glass hemisphere with radius R and an index of refraction n_g greater than n_air (1.00). The key equation used is the lens maker's formula: n1/s + n2/s' = (n2-n1)/R, which helps determine the focal point. The focal point is calculated as f = -R/(1-n1) when assuming the source distance (s) is infinity. The impact of increasing the index of refraction by 0.5% on the focal point was also analyzed, indicating that the focus point does change slightly.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of optics, specifically refraction and focal points
  • Familiarity with the lens maker's formula
  • Knowledge of the concept of index of refraction
  • Basic geometry of spheres and hemispheres
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of the lens maker's formula
  • Explore the effects of varying the index of refraction on light behavior
  • Learn about the differences between thin lenses and thick lenses
  • Investigate practical applications of glass hemispheres in optics
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on optics, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to light behavior in curved mediums.

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Homework Statement



Paralel light rays travel from air to a glass hemisphere with radius R and
index of refraction n_{g}that is greater than n_{air}. A top view is shown in the attached image.
(a) Where do the rays focus relative to the point P?
(b) The index of refraction of the hemisphere is increased by 0.5 percent. Does the
focus point change from that in part (a)? If so, then by how much?

Radius=-R (negative since its concave from the picture)
n_{air}=1.00

Homework Equations



\frac{n1}{s} + \frac{n2}{s'} = \frac{n2-n1}{R} where solving for s' would give the point of focus,f (ie. s'=f)
I don't think i can use any of the thin lens eqn's since, well, its not a thin lens right?

The Attempt at a Solution


Here, I'm very confused about what we can assume. Is the distance of the source, s, approximately infinity? or would the source be the distance from p to the flat surface, the radius, R? I'm not really sure either how the rays would interact with the curved surface once it goes through.
If i assume that s=\infty, then i get with the above equation to be f=\frac{-R}{1-n1} But how do i justify that assumption?
Also, if I assume s=R, then i get f=-R.
I'm really sure if either of these are correct, and if one is...why exactly is it correct?
 
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If the object is at infinity (s=infinity), the image would be at the focal point, so f=-R/(1-n1). If you bring the object closer, the point where the light rays focus would increase, becoming -R at s=R. To calculate the answer for a), you need to know where point P is.
 
oohhkay thanks for clarifying, and i attached a picture, but i don't really noe where that went...anways, it showed a hemisphere with rays coming at it from the right...like p·( <---
and point · p would be at the centre of the curve. So then, from what you're saying, the focus point would be R away? And another question, if it doesn't indicate a source, it just says parallel light rays are coming towards the glass, then do i consider the source as infinity?
 

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