You can determine the index of refraction of a substance by determining its crit

Question

You can determine the index of refraction of a substance by determining its critical angle. What is the index of refraction of a substance that has a critical angle of 73.1 degree when submerged in water (n = 1.333)? (plusminus 0.01) What is the most likely substance, based on Table 25.1? Fluorite Ice at 20 degree C Polystyrene Plexiglass Fused Quartz Sodium Chloride Zircon REMINDER: Resubmissions are not allowed on multiple choice questions. What would the critical angle be for this substance in air? Use the n in part a.

Explanation / Answer

(a)

at critical angle

angle of refraction = 90

from snells law

n1*sini = n2*sinr

r = 90 degrees

i = C = 73.1

n1 = substance

n2 = refractive index of water = 4/3

n1*sin73.1 = (1.33)*sin90

n1 = 1.39 <<<<-------answer

(b)

Flourite

(c)

for n2 = air

1.39*sinC = 1*sin90

c = 46 degrees

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