A light ray enters the Earth's atmosphere and descends vertically through distance h = 100 km to reach the surface. Since the density and composition of the atmosphere vary, its index of refraction also varies as a function of elevation. At the top of the atmosphere, where light enters, the index of refraction is exactly 1.000. At the bottom, where light reaches Earth's surface, the index of refraction is 1.000293. Suppose the refractive index varies linearly between these two values. Calculate the time required for light to travel through the atmosphere. Hint: The definition of velocity v = dx/dt can be written as dt = dx/v = n dx/c. Integrate this expression to find the time. Note that n is not a constant; you must express n as a function of x.

A light ray enters the Earth's atmosphere and descends vertically through distance h = 100 km to reach the surface. Since the density and composition of the atmosphere vary, its index of refraction also varies as a function of elevation. At the top of the atmosphere, where light enters, the index of refraction is exactly 1.000. At the bottom, where light reaches Earth's surface, the index of refraction is 1.000293. Suppose the refractive index varies linearly between these two values. Calculate the time required for light to travel through the atmosphere. Hint: The definition of velocity v = dx/dt can be written as dt = dx/v = n dx/c. Integrate this expression to find the time. Note that n is not a constant; you must express n as a function of x.

College Physics

11th Edition

ISBN:9781305952300

Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille

Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille

Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...

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