A ray of light is directed from water (n=1.33) into a dense glass equilateral prism which has an index of refraction of  (1.73x10^0) .  The ray enters surface 1 at an angle θ1, the ray then encounters Surface 2 from within the prism.  If the angle of incidence at Surface 2 equals θc , the critical angle for this prism in water, what is the original incidence angle

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A ray of light is directed from water (n=1.33) into a dense glass equilateral prism which has an index of refraction of  (1.73x10^0) .  The ray enters surface 1 at an angle θ1, the ray then encounters Surface 2 from within the prism.  If the angle of incidence at Surface 2 equals θc , the critical angle for this prism in water, what is the original incidence angle, θ1 (in degrees)

### Refraction through a Prism

The diagram illustrates the refraction of light as it passes through a triangular prism submerged in water. 

#### Key Features:

1. **Incident Light Ray:**
   - The light ray enters the prism at an angle \(\theta_1\) with respect to the normal to Surface 1.

2. **Prism Surfaces:**
   - **Surface 1:** The initial surface where the light ray enters the prism. The diagram shows the light bending towards the normal due to refraction as it moves from water into the denser medium of the prism.
   - **Surface 2:** The light exits the prism through this surface.

3. **Angle of Incidence and Refraction:**
   - The light ray bends at both surfaces according to Snell's law of refraction. The angle inside the prism between the refracted ray and Surface 2 is marked 60°.

4. **Light Path:**
   - The light ray is shown bending as it exits Surface 2. The path and angles indicate refraction based on the change in medium.

This illustration helps in understanding how light behaves at the interface between different mediums, following principles of optics like Snell's law.
Transcribed Image Text:### Refraction through a Prism The diagram illustrates the refraction of light as it passes through a triangular prism submerged in water. #### Key Features: 1. **Incident Light Ray:** - The light ray enters the prism at an angle \(\theta_1\) with respect to the normal to Surface 1. 2. **Prism Surfaces:** - **Surface 1:** The initial surface where the light ray enters the prism. The diagram shows the light bending towards the normal due to refraction as it moves from water into the denser medium of the prism. - **Surface 2:** The light exits the prism through this surface. 3. **Angle of Incidence and Refraction:** - The light ray bends at both surfaces according to Snell's law of refraction. The angle inside the prism between the refracted ray and Surface 2 is marked 60°. 4. **Light Path:** - The light ray is shown bending as it exits Surface 2. The path and angles indicate refraction based on the change in medium. This illustration helps in understanding how light behaves at the interface between different mediums, following principles of optics like Snell's law.
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