Calculating Refraction at a Spherical Surface with Multiple Media

In summary, the problem involves a spherical surface with a radius of curvature of 10 cm separating two media with refractive indices of 1.1 and 1.3. A luminous point object O is located 144 cm away from the spherical surface in the medium with refractive index 1.1. The image formed by the spherical surface is at a distance of 900 cm from O. However, the attempt at a solution introduces a new distance of 120 cm from O to the spherical surface, using the formula of refraction at a spherical surface and assuming μ as 1. This results in a value of 36 cm for the image distance, which is not one of the given options. There is also a
  • #1
zorro
1,384
0

Homework Statement



The radius of curvature of spherical surface is 10 cm. The spherical surface separates two media of refractive indices 1.1 and 1.3 as shown in Figure. The medium of refractive index 1.3 extends upto 78 cm from the spherical surface. A luminous point object O is at the distance of 144 cm from the spherical surface in the medium of refractive index 1.1. The image formed by the spherical surface is at

1)900 cm from O
2)900 cm from A in medium μ3
3)900/7 cm from O
4)900/7 cm from A in medium μ3

attachment.php?attachmentid=34917&stc=1&d=1303825793.jpg


The Attempt at a Solution



The first two mediums act as glass slabs of thickness 66cm and 78cm resp.
Shift produced due to them = 24cm
New distance of the object from the spherical surface = 144-24=120cm

Using the formula of refraction at a spherical surface,

1.5/v + 1/120 = 0.5/10 (I kept μ as 1, may be I am wrong here)

I got v=36cm from O which is not in the options.
 

Attachments

  • d23a1fe8-9028-41dc-8f20-7dff5e1211d0.jpg
    d23a1fe8-9028-41dc-8f20-7dff5e1211d0.jpg
    4.7 KB · Views: 434
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2


Hey.
I'm not sure about anything,
but I don't find the normal shift you consider alright.(you consider '1' as the reference refractive index which is nowhere)
According to me,you must make an observer stand near the refracting surface(in the medium 1.3) and
find the apparent position of the object from there.
or...
make an observer stand near the object(in the medium 1.1) and find the app position of the refracting surface.
I am confused which...

Am I right?sorry if not
 

FAQ: Calculating Refraction at a Spherical Surface with Multiple Media

What is refraction in physics?

Refraction in physics refers to the bending of light as it passes through different mediums, such as air, water, or glass. This bending of light causes the appearance of objects to change when viewed through different mediums.

How is refraction measured?

Refraction is measured using a unit called the index of refraction, which is the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in a specific medium. This value is typically denoted by the symbol "n" and is unique for each medium.

What is Snell's law and how does it relate to refraction?

Snell's law states that the ratio of the sine of the angle of incidence to the sine of the angle of refraction is equal to the ratio of the speed of light in the first medium to the speed of light in the second medium. This law explains the relationship between the angle of incidence and the angle of refraction when light passes through a boundary between two mediums.

What factors affect the amount of refraction?

The amount of refraction is affected by several factors, including the angle of incidence, the difference in the indices of refraction between the two mediums, and the wavelength of the light. Additionally, the shape and curvature of the boundary between the two mediums can also impact the amount of refraction.

What are some real-world applications of refraction?

Refraction has many practical applications in everyday life, such as in the design of lenses for eyeglasses, cameras, and telescopes. Refraction also plays a crucial role in the formation of rainbows, mirages, and other optical illusions. In addition, refraction is used in the field of medicine for procedures such as LASIK eye surgery.

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
10K
Replies
1
Views
4K
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
6K
Back
Top