Refraction at a spherical surface

In summary, the conversation discusses the confusion regarding the use of refractive index in a question involving light passing through a sphere. The experts explain that the light starts from the object inside the sphere, not from vacuum, which explains why n1 is 1.50 in the second part of the question. The conversation ends with the individual understanding the concept.
  • #1
stpmmaths
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Homework Statement



attachment.php?attachmentid=20107&stc=1&d=1250245914.jpg


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I was kind of confuse with the use of refractive index.

For the first part of question, n1 = 1.00 and n2 = 1.50. From what I know, the object is at vacuum so the n1 = 1.00.

But why for the second part of the question, n1 = 1.50 and n2 = 1.00 ? After the first refracting surface, the image should be at the vacuum too. But why we use n1 = 1.50?
 

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  • #2
Welcome to PF!

Hi stpmmaths! Welcome to PF! :smile:
stpmmaths said:
I was kind of confuse with the use of refractive index.

For the first part of question, n1 = 1.00 and n2 = 1.50. From what I know, the object is at vacuum so the n1 = 1.00.

But why for the second part of the question, n1 = 1.50 and n2 = 1.00 ? After the first refracting surface, the image should be at the vacuum too. But why we use n1 = 1.50?

(I can't see your attachment yet, but …)

I assume that the light starts by going into the sphere from the air (or vacuum), so it's going from n = 1 to n = 1.5;

then it travels through the sphere (n = 1.5) until it hits the opposite surface and comes out again, so it's going from n = 1.5 to n = 1. :wink:
 
  • #3
tiny-tim said:
Hi stpmmaths! Welcome to PF! :smile:(I can't see your attachment yet, but …)

I assume that the light starts by going into the sphere from the air (or vacuum), so it's going from n = 1 to n = 1.5;

then it travels through the sphere (n = 1.5) until it hits the opposite surface and comes out again, so it's going from n = 1.5 to n = 1. :wink:

Ok..I understand a bit.

Now I came across with another question similar to this question(quite similar)

Quenstion:
attachment.php?attachmentid=20113&stc=1&d=1250304700.jpg

Answer:
attachment.php?attachmentid=20114&stc=1&d=1250304700.jpg


Why the n1 is 1.50 if we say the light starts from vacuum?:confused:
 

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  • #4
stpmmaths said:
Why the n1 is 1.50 if we say the light starts from vacuum?:confused:

Because the light starts from the coin, inside the sphere, not from vacuum. :wink:
 
  • #5
stpmmaths said:
Why the n1 is 1.50 if we say the light starts from vacuum?:confused:

Look carefully at the arrows in the figure. Where do they start from?

EDIT: to clarify, look at the interface where the two rays meet. The ray arrows indicate they go from the glass into the air.

p.s. Hello tiny-tim!
 
  • #6
Oo, I got it.
Thanks everyone.
 

FAQ: Refraction at a spherical surface

What is refraction at a spherical surface?

Refraction at a spherical surface is the bending of light as it passes through a curved surface, such as a lens or a spherical glass object. This is due to the change in speed of light as it moves from one medium to another.

How does refraction at a spherical surface affect the path of light?

Refraction at a spherical surface causes the path of light to bend towards the normal (perpendicular) when it enters a denser medium, and away from the normal when it exits a denser medium. This results in the formation of an image or the magnification of an object.

What factors affect the amount of refraction at a spherical surface?

The amount of refraction at a spherical surface depends on the angle of incidence (the angle at which the light hits the surface), the refractive indices of the two media, and the radius of curvature of the surface.

How is the refractive index of a medium related to refraction at a spherical surface?

The refractive index of a medium is a measure of how much the speed of light changes when it passes through that medium. The higher the refractive index, the more the light bends as it passes through the medium, resulting in a greater amount of refraction at a spherical surface.

What are some real-life applications of refraction at a spherical surface?

Refraction at a spherical surface is used in various optical devices, such as lenses in eyeglasses, microscopes, and telescopes. It is also used in cameras, projectors, and other imaging systems. Additionally, refraction at a spherical surface is essential in the functioning of the human eye, allowing us to see objects clearly at different distances.

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