Light containing wavelengths of 400 nm, 500 nm, and 650 nm is incident from air

Question

Light containing wavelengths of 400 nm, 500 nm, and 650 nm is incident from air on a block of crown glass at an angle of 29.0°. (Use this table to calculate your answers.)

(a) Are all colors refracted alike, or is one color bent more than the others?

400 nm light is bent the most

500 nm light is bent the most

650 nm light is bent the most

all colors are refracted alike

(b) Calculate the angle of refraction in each case to verify your answer. (Enter your answer to at least two decimal places.)

400 nm = °

500 nm = °

650 nm = °

Explanation / Answer

(a)

The color of light depends upon the wavelength. The index of refraction inside the Crown glass decreases with increase of wavelength. Thus one color will be bent than the other.

400 nm light is bent the most

b)

n1 is the index of refraction of air (which is 1),

1 is the angle of incidence (25°),

n2 is the index of refraction of crown glass (which is 1.52),

and 2 is the angle of refraction.
n1 * sin(1) = n2 * sin(2)
sin(2) = (n1 / n2) * sin(1)
2 = arcsin[ (n1 / n2) * sin(1) ]

     = arcsin[ (1 / 1.52) * sin(29°) ]

    =18.590

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse L
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.