Academic Integrity: tutoring, explanations, and feedback — we don’t complete graded work or submit on a student’s behalf.

Optics: Snells law and refraction question. Imagine a prism with a cross section

ID: 583011 • Letter: O

Question

Optics: Snells law and refraction question.

Imagine a prism with a cross section that appears as a triangle with two 45 degree angles and a right angle. If a beam of light strikes the face opposite one of the 45 degree angles at normal incidence and then reflects of the face opposite the 90 degree face due to critical internal reflection and then leaves through the face opposite the other 45 degree angle, what is index of refraction of the prism material?

I'll certainly upvote the best answer, thanks so much in advanced for the help.

Explanation / Answer

Let the index of refraction of the prism material = n1
µ(air) = 1
and i = 45
At critical angle (i) , angle of refraction (r) = 90

According to Snell's Law :-
n1 * sin i = 1 * sin(90)
n1 = 1/sin(45)
n1 = 1.41
Index of refraction of the prism material, n1 = 1.41

Hire Me For All Your Tutoring Needs
Integrity-first tutoring: clear explanations, guidance, and feedback.
Drop an Email at
drjack9650@gmail.com
Chat Now And Get Quote