What Is the Index of Refraction for a Transparent Plastic Piece?

In summary, the problem involves calculating the index of refraction of a transparent plastic material based on given values of incident angle and refracted angle. The equation used is ni * sin(theta,i) = nr * sin(theta,r), where ni is the index of refraction of the incident medium (assumed to be air) and nr is the index of refraction of the plastic material. The solution involves correctly identifying which angle is the incident angle and which is the refracted angle, as well as measuring the angles from the correct reference point.
  • #1
smashyash
28
0

Homework Statement



I'm not sure if this can be answered without the picture but I can't get it posted.
The problem gives theta(incident) and theta(r). It's a basic refraction through a transparent plastic piece. It askes for the index of regraction of this material.

Homework Equations



ni * sin(theta,i) = nr * sin(theta,r)

The Attempt at a Solution



I figured since the don't give any more information that the ni value = 1 because it's assumed to be air. So I tried nr = ni * sin(theta,i)/sin(theta,r)
but this is not right...
 
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  • #2
hi smashyash! :smile:

(have a theta: θ and try using the X2 icon just above the Reply box :wink:)
smashyash said:
I figured since the don't give any more information that the ni value = 1 because it's assumed to be air. So I tried nr = ni * sin(theta,i)/sin(theta,r)
but this is not right...

that looks right …

without seeing the diagram, I'm guessing that either your i and r are the wrong way round, or one or both of your θs are measured from the surface instead of from the normal :smile:
 

FAQ: What Is the Index of Refraction for a Transparent Plastic Piece?

What is the index of refraction?

The index of refraction is a measure of how much a material can slow down the speed of light passing through it. It is defined as the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in the material.

How is the index of refraction measured?

The index of refraction can be measured using a variety of methods, including the Snell's law experiment, total internal reflection, and interferometry. These techniques involve measuring the angle of light as it enters and exits a material and using mathematical equations to calculate the index of refraction.

What factors affect the index of refraction?

The index of refraction is affected by the density, temperature, and composition of a material. In general, materials with a higher density or a higher proportion of heavy atoms tend to have a higher index of refraction. Additionally, the index of refraction tends to decrease as the temperature of a material increases.

How does the index of refraction impact the behavior of light?

The index of refraction determines how light is bent or refracted as it passes through a material. A higher index of refraction means that light will be bent more, resulting in a slower speed and a shorter wavelength. This can have important implications in the fields of optics and photonics, where the manipulation of light is crucial.

Can the index of refraction be negative?

Yes, some materials, known as metamaterials, have a negative index of refraction. This means that they can bend light in the opposite direction of conventional materials. These materials have unique properties and are currently being studied for potential applications in areas such as invisibility cloaking and superlenses.

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