Angle of refraction through a prism

In summary, the problem discusses the travel time of light in air and in a slab of glass, with different corresponding wavelengths. The solution attempts to use Snell's law to calculate the angle of incidence, but it is unclear if it is the correct approach.
  • #1
james.rg
2
0

Homework Statement



In a physics lab, light with a wavelength of 570nmtravels in air from a laser to a photocell in a time of 17.5ns . When a slab of glass with a thickness of 0.890m is placed in the light beam, with the beam incident along the normal to the parallel faces of the slab, it takes the light a time of 20.7ns to travel from the laser to the photocell.

What is the wavelength of the light in the glass?

Homework Equations


snell's law (ni)sin(Θi)=(nr)sin(Θr)

The Attempt at a Solution


1sin70°=1.53sinΘ Θ=37.89°

1sin70°=1.525sinΘ Θ=38.04°

38.04°-37.89°=.15°

Fairly sure what I've done is wrong though
 
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  • #2
Welcome to PF!

Check the problem text. It has nothing common with the title of the thread or the solution. Have you copied a different problem by mistake :) ?
 
  • #3
oh wow, didn't even see that.
thanks
 

Related to Angle of refraction through a prism

1. What is the angle of refraction through a prism?

The angle of refraction through a prism is the angle between the incident ray of light and the refracted ray as it passes through the prism. It is measured from the normal, which is an imaginary line perpendicular to the surface of the prism at the point where the light enters.

2. How is the angle of refraction through a prism calculated?

The angle of refraction through a prism can be calculated using Snell's Law, which states that the ratio of the sine of the angle of incidence to the sine of the angle of refraction is equal to the ratio of the refractive indices of the two materials.

3. How does the angle of incidence affect the angle of refraction through a prism?

The angle of incidence, which is the angle between the incident ray and the normal, determines the angle of refraction through a prism. As the angle of incidence increases, the angle of refraction also increases, and vice versa.

4. What factors can affect the angle of refraction through a prism?

The angle of refraction through a prism can be affected by the angle of incidence, the refractive indices of the materials, and the shape and size of the prism. The angle of refraction can also be affected by the wavelength of light, as different wavelengths are refracted at different angles.

5. How is the angle of refraction used in prisms?

The angle of refraction is used in prisms to bend or refract light at specific angles, allowing for the dispersion of white light into its component colors. This property is used in various optical devices, such as binoculars, cameras, and spectrometers.

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