Calculating Critical Angle and Single Color Angle in Optical-Quality Glass

In summary, the conversation is about a physics question regarding total internal reflection in a piece of glass with different indices of refraction for red and violet light. The question asks which color disappears first and at what angle only one color is seen. The critical angles for red and violet light are calculated, with the critical angle for glass being 41.0 degrees. Therefore, red light would disappear first and at any angle greater than 41.0 degrees, only violet light would be visible.
  • #1
mr.miagi
4
0
Help!Physics II question!

A white light source is below the lower surface of a piece of optical-quality glass. The glass has an index of refraction of 1.520 for red light and 1.538 for violet. If you were able to move your eye at any angle relative to the perpendicular to the glass, calculate A) Which color disappears first due to total internal reflection B) At what angle do you see only a single color, red or violet?
 
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  • #2
Welcome to the forums. Please note that you must show some work before we can help you.
 
  • #3
So far I have done the following
critical angle = sin-1(1.00/1.520) =41.1degrees for red
critical angle = sin-1(1.00/1.538) =40.6degrees for violet
The index of refraction for glass is 1.523
critical angle = sin-1(1.00/1.523) = 41.0 degrees
Therefore the red light would disapear first because its critical angle is bigger then that of 41.0 degrees.
part B) the angle would be anything greater then 41.0degrees the only the violet light would be visible.
Is this correct?
 

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