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posted by  x00x on 7/24/2008 11:18:26 AM  |  status: Live  

refraction- LIFE SAVER

Course Textbook Chapter Problem
Algebra Based Physics Physics: Principles with Applications (6th) by Giancoli 23 31
Question Details:
In searching the bottom of a pool at night, a watchman shines a narrow beam of light from his flashlight, h = 1.4 m above the water level, onto the surface of the water at a point L = 3.2 m from the edge of the pool (Fig. 23-50). Where does the spot of light hit the bottom of the pool, measured from the wall beneath his feet, if the pool is 2.1 m deep?
m


Figure 23-50

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posted by Steve (retired) on 7/24/2008 11:58:44 AM  |  status: Live
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Response Details:
First let us find the angle of incidence. The angle between the light ray and the surface of the water say 'θ' can be obtained from the triangle laws as
 
      Tan(θ) = Opp. / Adj.   = h / L  in our case.
 
         i.e., Tan(θ) = 1.4 / 3.2 = 0.4375      and hence , θ = 23.629o   
 
   Hence the angle of incidence will be ' i ' = (90-θ)  = 66.371o 
 (Since the angle of incidence is that angle the light ray makes with the perpendicular to the surface at the point of contact).
 
  we know that the refractive index of water is 1.33 and that of air is 1.
 
  Hence the angle of refraction can be found as
 
   Sin(r) = Sin(i) x (μ1 / μ2)  = Sin(66.371) / 1.33 = 0.9015 / 1.33 = 0.688   and hence
      the angle of refracion is 'r' = ........o.  
 
  Now again from the geometry, the horizontal base of the triangle formed in the water can be found by
 
      Tan(r) = base / depth of pool     hence, 
 
      base = Tan(r) x 2.1 =  ....... m.
 
  Hence the total distance at which the light ray touches the bottom of the pool from the wall beneath the man's foot is  d = L + base = 3.2 + base = ..... m.
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