Angle of Refraction through a Prism

In summary, the conversation revolves around understanding an aspect of a geometry question. The textbook solution states that the sum of the angle of refraction and the angle of incidence is 60°, and this is derived from the diagram. The conversation also mentions a quadrilateral formed by the entry and exit points, apex of the prism, and the point where the normals meet. The opposite angles in this quadrilateral are also discussed.
  • #1
Jason S
1
0
Member advised to use the homework template for posts in the homework sections of PF.
Hello everyone,

I am trying to figure out how to explain an aspect of this question to my students, but cannot seem to recall the geometry that explains the textbook's approach.

In the figure below, for part (b) of the question, we are using the angles of refraction at the left boundary to calculate the angles of incidence at the right boundary.

In the book, it states that if we use the angle of refraction at the left boundary, θ 2, and the angle of incidence at the right boundary, θ 3, then, according to the diagram, θ 2 + θ 3 = 60°, "which is the angle in the top right of the triangle".

I cannot, for the life of me, determine which relationship they are using to come to that conclusion.

This is the only aspect of this question that I need assistance with.

TIA.

Question:

upload_2015-12-28_21-7-19.png


Part B:
upload_2015-12-28_21-7-37.png


Textbook Solution:
upload_2015-12-28_21-16-54.png
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Jason S said:
In the book, it states that if we use the angle of refraction at the left boundary, θ 2, and the angle of incidence at the right boundary, θ 3, then, according to the diagram, θ 2 + θ 3 = 60°, "which is the angle in the top right of the triangle".
to be clear, we're discussing the two angles to the normal inside the prism.
The entry and exit points, the apex of the prism, and the point where the normals meet form a quadrilateral. What do you notice about the opposite angles there?
 

Related to Angle of Refraction through a Prism

What is the angle of refraction through a prism?

The angle of refraction through a prism is the angle at which a light ray passing through the prism is bent or deviated from its original path.

How is the angle of refraction determined?

The angle of refraction is determined by 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 velocities of light in the two media.

Why does the angle of refraction change when passing through a prism?

The angle of refraction changes when passing through a prism because the speed of light is different in different mediums. When light enters a denser medium, it slows down and bends towards the normal, causing the angle of refraction to decrease.

What factors affect the angle of refraction in a prism?

The angle of refraction in a prism is affected by the angle of incidence, the refractive index of the prism material, and the wavelength of light passing through the prism. The shape and size of the prism can also affect the angle of refraction.

What is the relationship between the angle of incidence and the angle of refraction in a prism?

The angle of incidence and the angle of refraction in a prism are related by Snell's Law, which states that as the angle of incidence increases, the angle of refraction also increases. However, this relationship is affected by the refractive index of the prism material and the wavelength of light passing through the prism.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
6K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
Back
Top