You are looking up from underwater in a swimming pool radius of circle?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the radius of the "hole" visible from underwater in a swimming pool when positioned 2 meters below the surface. The relevant equations include Snell's Law, specifically the relationship n.sin(theta)1 = n.sin(theta)2, and the critical angle formula sin(theta)c = n1/n2. The refractive indices for air (n = 1.00) and water (n = 1.33) are utilized to determine the angle of incidence that leads to total internal reflection, which ultimately affects the radius of the visible circle at the water's surface.

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  • Understanding of Snell's Law in optics
  • Knowledge of critical angle and total internal reflection
  • Familiarity with refractive indices of different media
  • Basic geometry related to circles and areas
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  • Explore the concept of critical angle and its implications in optics
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Students studying physics, particularly in optics, educators teaching light behavior in different media, and anyone interested in practical applications of geometry in real-world scenarios.

ReMa
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Homework Statement



You are looking up from under the water in a swimming pool. If you are 2m below the surface, what is the radius of the "hole" at the water surface through which you can see out of the pool?

Homework Equations



n.sin(theta)1 = n.sin(theta)2

The Attempt at a Solution




Could it be assumed that looking straight up through the water? So, sin(theta)1 = sin theta(90) = 1 ?

I'm assuming a hole would have an area of pi.r2, but don't know how to include that in the former equation (Snell's Law).

I also know n = c/v
c = 3x10^8 m/s (speed of light in a vacuum)
v = velocity

These values weren't given, but if applicable:
n air = 1.00
n water = 1.33
 
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I suspect they are looking for what angle from straight up will the ray from your eye hit the surface and be reflected back into the water (total internal reflection)
 
So that deals with critical angle then?
sin(theta)c = n1/n2

where n1 = lesser indice
n2 = greater indice

Hows does that relate to radius of a circle??
 
ReMa said:
So that deals with critical angle then?
sin(theta)c = n1/n2

where n1 = lesser indice
n2 = greater indice

Hows does that relate to radius of a circle??

You can only move your head so far until the only light reaching your eye is light TIRing from the swimming pool's bottom.

Find what angle you can tilt your head until this happens and find the corresponding horizontal distance moved from a initial position of looking straight up.
 

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