A surfer floats on quiet water (n = 1.33) waiting for a big wave. A shark swims toward him at a depth of 4 m. How close (horizontally) can the shark approach before the surfer can spot him? The surfer is lying on his board with his eyes close to water level.

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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**Physics of Light Refraction: Shark Sight Distance Problem**

**Problem Statement**
A surfer floats on quiet water (with a refractive index, \( n = 1.33 \)) waiting for a big wave. A shark swims toward him at a depth of 4 meters. The question posed is: how close (horizontally) can the shark approach before the surfer can spot him? Consider that the surfer is lying on his board with his eyes close to the water level.

**Further Analysis**
This problem requires understanding Snell's Law and the concept of the critical angle where light transitions from water to air. By knowing the depth of the shark and applying these principles, one can calculate the horizontal distance at which the surfer is able to see the approaching shark.

This problem can be used for educational purposes to explore the physics of refraction and critical angles in real-world scenarios.
Transcribed Image Text:**Physics of Light Refraction: Shark Sight Distance Problem** **Problem Statement** A surfer floats on quiet water (with a refractive index, \( n = 1.33 \)) waiting for a big wave. A shark swims toward him at a depth of 4 meters. The question posed is: how close (horizontally) can the shark approach before the surfer can spot him? Consider that the surfer is lying on his board with his eyes close to the water level. **Further Analysis** This problem requires understanding Snell's Law and the concept of the critical angle where light transitions from water to air. By knowing the depth of the shark and applying these principles, one can calculate the horizontal distance at which the surfer is able to see the approaching shark. This problem can be used for educational purposes to explore the physics of refraction and critical angles in real-world scenarios.
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