Find the formula for refraction angle?

In summary, the homework equation states that sin(theta1/v1) = sin(theta2/v2) where n1 and n2 are the lengths of the two sides of the triangle, and c is the length of the hypotenuse. Snell's law states that the speed of light in a vacuum is constant, and that the sine of an angle is related to its sinusoidal function by the equation sin(theta) = sin(theta-h) + cos(theta-h/2). Finally, trigonometry can be used to relate angles POQ, RPS, and φ.
  • #1
Helly123
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Homework Statement


Screenshot_30_2014_Phy.png


Homework Equations


Snell's Law
sin tetha1/v1 = sin tetha2/v2
n1 = c/v1
n1 . sin tetha 1 = n2 . sin tetha 2

The Attempt at a Solution


I try to make triangle out of line PO, so that it will have correlation to tetha, since o = center, then let's say there's point C at circle circumference. then POC is isosceles triangle.
PC^2 = PO^2 + CO^2 - 2PO.CO.cos tetha
PC^2 = 2R^2 - 2R^2 cos tetha
PC^2 = 2R^2 ( 1 - cos tetha)
n value for air = 1.00 ? but I cannot find the correlation tetha to n, and especially h...?
 
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  • #2
Helly123 said:
but I cannot find the correlation tetha to n, and especially h...?
Extend the line OP. That gives you the normal to the surface. The angle of incidence can be related to h & r with a bit of trig.
 
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  • #3
Doc Al said:
Extend the line OP. That gives you the normal to the surface. The angle of incidence can be related to h & r with a bit of trig.
i tried to extend OP but still don't find the correlation with r and h
 
  • #4
Doc Al said:
Extend the line OP. That gives you the normal to the surface. The angle of incidence can be related to h & r with a bit of trig.
Give me more clue please?
 
  • #5
Helly123 said:
Give me more clue please?
Adding some more labels...
Q is the point where the vertical marked h meets the horizontal through O.
S is thepoint at the top of the line marked h.
R is a point beyond P on the line through OP.
Can you relate angle POQ to h and r?
Can you relate angle POQ to angle RPS?
Can you relate angle RPS to φ?
 
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  • #6
haruspex said:
Adding some more labels...
Q is the point where the vertical marked h meets the horizontal through O.
S is thepoint at the top of the line marked h.
R is a point beyond P on the line through OP.
Can you relate angle POQ to h and r?
Can you relate angle POQ to angle RPS?
Can you relate angle RPS to φ?

I tried before, is it right?
i'm not sure about the normal line I set, and theory I used
1-5_2014_phys.png
 
  • #7
Now you're cooking. Looks perfect!
 
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Related to Find the formula for refraction angle?

1) What is the formula for calculating the refraction angle?

The formula for calculating the refraction angle is known as 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 speed of light in the first medium to the speed of light in the second medium.

2) How do you determine the angle of incidence and angle of refraction?

The angle of incidence is the angle between the incident ray and the normal to the surface at the point of incidence. The angle of refraction is the angle between the refracted ray and the normal to the surface at the point of refraction.

3) What are the units for the variables in the refraction angle formula?

The angle of incidence and angle of refraction are typically measured in degrees (°). The speed of light in the two mediums is usually measured in meters per second (m/s).

4) Can the refraction angle formula be used for any type of wave?

No, the refraction angle formula is specifically for electromagnetic waves, such as light. It cannot be used for other types of waves, such as sound waves.

5) How does the refraction angle change when going from one medium to another?

The refraction angle will change depending on the difference in the speed of light between the two mediums. If the speed of light is greater in the second medium, the angle of refraction will be smaller than the angle of incidence. If the speed of light is slower in the second medium, the angle of refraction will be larger than the angle of incidence.

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