The prism shown in the figure has a refractive index of 1.61, and the angles A a

Question

The prism shown in the figure has a refractive index of 1.61, and the angles A arc 25.0". It is embedded in a medium with a higher index of refraction (greater than 1.61). Two light rays m and n arc horizontal and therefore parallel as they enter the prism. They enter the prism at a right angle to the surface, travel through the prism to the other side and exit back into the surrounding medium. When these rays exit the prism, re-entering the air, arc they still parallel? If not, what statement can you make about their directions of travel? A ray of light is shown passing through three consecutive layered materials. Based on the direction of bending at each boundary, rank the three materials (A, H and C) in order of increasing index of refraction.

Explanation / Answer

Part A;

Since the medium outside is of greater refractive index (greater than 1.61) so after refraction with each face the ray will move towards normal (as it does during entering in denser medium) so both ray will diverge in opposite sense of each other (due to different allignment of refractive surface). Hence in this scenario both ray will be no longer parallel and they will diverge from each other . I.e ray became diverging .

Part B;

If we analyze the way in which ray is deviating after refraction through each surface we can see tha

During Air to Medium A :- ray is bent towards the normal Thus A is denser than air

During A to Medium B :- ray is bent towards the refracting surface (Away from the normal) Thus A is denser than B

During B to Medium C :- ray is bent towards the refracting surface (Away from the normal) Thus B is denser than C

During C to Air :- ray is bent towards the refracting surface (Away from the normal) Thus C is denser than Air

thus we can say that

A has highest refractive index

C has lowest refractive index(but still higher than Air)

Air < C < B< A

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