But the angles are given.jsalapide said:I've used it before, but the index of refraction is not given.
If the indices were equal, could the angles be different? One thing I would assume is that the light striking the material starts out in air/vacuum.Should I assume that the index of both material are equal?
No, it is not always necessary to know the index of refraction in order to solve a problem. In some cases, other properties of the material or system can be used to find a solution.
The index of refraction can affect the solution of a problem by determining the speed and direction of light as it passes through a medium. This can affect the angle of refraction, the amount of bending, and the final position of an object or image.
Yes, the index of refraction can change in different situations. It can vary depending on the wavelength of light, the temperature, and the composition of the material. It can also change when light passes through multiple materials with different refractive indices.
Yes, there are alternative methods for solving problems without knowing the index of refraction. For example, the Snell's Law equation can be used to solve for the angle of refraction without explicitly knowing the index of refraction.
The limitations of solving problems without the index of refraction include potential inaccuracies in the solution and a limited understanding of the behavior of light in different materials. It may also be more difficult to find a solution without knowing the refractive index.