How to Calculate θ3 After Finding θ2 Using Snell's Law?

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In summary, to calculate θ3 after finding θ2 using Snell's Law, first apply Snell's Law at the boundary where the angle of incidence θ1 and the refractive indices of the two media are known. This gives you θ2 for the second medium. Then, use Snell's Law again at the subsequent boundary, where θ2 serves as the angle of incidence for the transition to the third medium. By knowing the refractive index of the third medium, you can solve for θ3.
  • #1
betterscientist
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Homework Statement
Block A has a refractive index of 1.52, Block B has a refractive index of 1.2, and Block C has a refractive index of 1.4.
A ray of light travels through air into Block A. Assume air has a refractive index of 1 and θ1 = 78°.
Calculate angles θ2-θ8.
Relevant Equations
n1sin(θ1)=n1sin(θ2)
I used Snell's law to find θ2 as 40,1 (3sf) but now I'm stuck on finding θ3.

Is there a way to find θ3 without using geometry? How do I do this?
 
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  • #2
:welcome:

betterscientist said:
I'm stuck on finding θ3
How about using the same law again ?

Can you make (and post) a sketch of the situation ?

##\ ##
 
  • #3
Apologies. I saw I have left out the image.
 

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  • #4
Good thing you now posted the picture. Differs from what I had in mind. And where is block C ? :wink: ?
 
  • #5
BvU said:
Good thing you now posted the picture. Differs from what I had in mind. And where is block C ? :wink: ?
 
  • #6
Sorry again. Cropped it out since it was irrelevant to the question I had issues with. I should have double checked my initial question/statement.
 

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  • #7
So far you found angle ##X_1##. So ##X_2 = ## ?
Now draw ##\theta_3## in the picture

Change of notation.
So far you found angle ##\theta_2##. So ##\theta_3 = ## ?

For ##\theta_4## you can use Snellius again. Etc..

##\ ##
 
  • #8
BvU said:
So far you found angle ##X_1##. So ##X_2 = ## ?
Now draw ##\theta_3## in the picture

Change of notation.
So far you found angle ##\theta_2##. So ##\theta_3 = ## ?

For ##\theta_4## you can use Snellius again. Etc..

##\ ##
would theta 3 be the same as theta 2 (40,1)?
 
  • #9
betterscientist said:
would theta 3 be the same as theta 2 (40,1)?
Do they look the same?
 
  • #10
Of course not.
1714730073367.png
 

FAQ: How to Calculate θ3 After Finding θ2 Using Snell's Law?

What is Snell's Law?

Snell's Law, also known as the law of refraction, describes how light rays change direction when they pass from one medium to another. It is mathematically expressed as n1 * sin(θ1) = n2 * sin(θ2), where n1 and n2 are the refractive indices of the two media, and θ1 and θ2 are the angles of incidence and refraction, respectively.

How do I find θ2 using Snell's Law?

To find θ2 using Snell's Law, you need the angle of incidence (θ1) and the refractive indices of the two media (n1 for the first medium and n2 for the second medium). Rearrange Snell's Law to solve for θ2: sin(θ2) = (n1/n2) * sin(θ1). Then, use the inverse sine function (arcsin) to calculate θ2.

What is θ3 in the context of Snell's Law?

θ3 typically refers to the angle of refraction when light exits the second medium and enters a third medium. It is calculated using Snell's Law again, taking θ2 as the angle of incidence for the transition from the second medium to the third medium, with the corresponding refractive index for the third medium.

How do I calculate θ3 after finding θ2?

To calculate θ3 after finding θ2, apply Snell's Law again. Use the equation n2 * sin(θ2) = n3 * sin(θ3), where n3 is the refractive index of the third medium. Rearrange the equation to solve for sin(θ3) and then use the inverse sine function to find θ3.

What if the light is going from a higher to a lower refractive index?

If light is transitioning from a higher refractive index medium to a lower one, total internal reflection may occur if the angle of incidence (θ2) exceeds the critical angle. In such cases, θ3 cannot be calculated as light will not pass into the third medium; instead, it will reflect back into the second medium.

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