Angle of Refraction: Find Low Power Laser Incident Angle

In summary, we are trying to find the critical angle for crown glass using the formula sinC = 1/n1 and then using this angle to calculate the angle of refraction for a low power laser incident at an angle of 45 degrees at the interface between crown glass and air. If the angle of incidence is less than the critical angle, we can use the formula n1sinx1 = n2sinx2 to find the angle of refraction. Otherwise, there will be no refracted ray due to Total Internal Reflection.
  • #1
05holtel
52
0

Homework Statement



A low power laser is incident at the interface between crown glass (n=1.52), and air at an angle of 45 degrees. The refracted ray into air makes an angle with respect to the normal of the surface that is closest to ...
Question 2 answers
27.7 degrees
41.1 degrees
45.0 degrees
62.3 degrees
There is no refracted ray due to Total Internal Reflection


The Attempt at a Solution



I am trying to use n1sinx1 = n2sinx2 but i keep getting an error in my calculator
 
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  • #2


Find the critical angle for crown glass using the formula sinC = 1/n1.
If the angle of incidence is less that the critical angle use your formula to find the angle of refraction. Other wise...?
 

Related to Angle of Refraction: Find Low Power Laser Incident Angle

1. What is the angle of refraction?

The angle of refraction is the angle between the refracted ray and the normal line to the surface of the material.

2. How is the angle of refraction calculated?

The angle of refraction can be calculated using Snell's law: n1sinθ1 = n2sinθ2, where n1 and n2 are the refractive indices of the two materials and θ1 and θ2 are the incident and refracted angles, respectively.

3. What is the significance of finding the angle of refraction for a low power laser?

Finding the angle of refraction for a low power laser is important for determining the path of the laser beam through different materials and predicting how it will be affected by refraction.

4. How does the incident angle affect the angle of refraction?

The incident angle directly affects the angle of refraction. As the incident angle increases, the angle of refraction also increases.

5. Why is it necessary to use a low power laser for this experiment?

Using a low power laser is necessary to prevent any damage to the materials being used and to ensure that the angle of refraction is accurately measured. High power lasers can cause heating and change the refractive indices of the materials, leading to inaccurate results.

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