Ray Optics: Refraction and Lenses
Refraction and Lenses: Audio Guided Solution
In a physics lab, Anna Litical is studying the path of red laser light through a equiangular glass prism (n = 1.52). She observes that the light enters one face of the glass prism (boundary 1), refracts and then exits a second face of the glass prism (boundary 2). In her usual inquisitive manner, she ponders the question "I wonder if I could find an angle of approach to boundary 1 which would cause the light to undergo total internal reflection at boundary 2?" Calculate the angle of incidence at boundary 1 which would cause this total internal reflection at boundary 2.
Audio Guided Solution
Habits of an Effective Problem Solver
Read the problem carefully and develop a mental picture of the physical situation. If necessary, sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help you visualize it.
Identify the known and unknown quantities and record them in an organized manner. Equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity - e.g., do = 24,8 cm; di = 16.7 cm; f = ???.
Use physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity.
Identify the appropriate formula(s) to use.
Perform substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.
Read About It!
Get more information on the topic of Refraction and Lenses at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.
Return to Problem Set
Return to Overview
View Audio Guided Solution for Problem: