A ray of light enters from air to glass, the angles of incidence and r...
Finding the Refractive Index of GlassTo find the refractive index (n) of glass when light travels from air to glass, we can use Snell's Law, which states:
\[ n_1 \sin(\theta_1) = n_2 \sin(\theta_2) \]
Where:
- \( n_1 \) is the refractive index of the first medium (air, approximately 1)
- \( \theta_1 \) is the angle of incidence (45º)
- \( n_2 \) is the refractive index of the second medium (glass)
- \( \theta_2 \) is the angle of refraction (30º)
Given \( n_1 = 1 \), we can rearrange the formula to find \( n_2 \):
\[ 1 \cdot \sin(45º) = n_2 \cdot \sin(30º) \]
Calculating the sine values:
- \( \sin(45º) = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} \)
- \( \sin(30º) = \frac{1}{2} \)
Substituting these values into the equation:
\[ \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} = n_2 \cdot \frac{1}{2} \]
Solving for \( n_2 \):
\[ n_2 = \sqrt{2} \]
Thus, the refractive index of glass (n) is approximately 1.414.
Factors Affecting Lateral DisplacementWhen light enters a glass slab, the lateral displacement depends on the following factors:
- Thickness of the Slab: The greater the thickness of the glass slab, the larger the lateral displacement. This is because light travels a longer distance inside the glass, resulting in a greater deviation.
- Angle of Incidence: The angle at which light strikes the surface affects how much it bends upon entering the glass. A larger angle of incidence typically results in a greater lateral displacement.
Understanding these factors helps in practical applications such as optics and lens design, where controlling light pathways is crucial.