A transparent sphere of unknown composition is observed to form an image of the Sun on its surface opposite the Sun. What is the refractive index of the sphere material? Step 1 As parallel rays from the Sun (object distance p → ∞) enter the transparent sphere from air (index of refraction n₁ = 1.00), the center of curvature of the surface is on the side of the sphere that the light is going toward, that is, the back side of the sphere. Thus, the radius of curvature R is the radius of the sphere and R > 0. Since it is observed that a real image is formed on the surface of the sphere that is opposite the Sun, the image distance q is the diameter of the sphere, q = +2R. The object distance p, the image distance q, and the radius of curvature R are related by the equation 0₁ P giving + where n₁ is the index of refraction of air and n₂ is the index refraction on the inside of the spherical surface. Let n represent the index of refraction of the sphere material in this problem (n₂ = n). The equation becomes n 2R which reduces to n = 2n- 0 + 7₂ 9 n = = R
Refraction of Light
Refraction is a change in the direction of light rays when they travel from one medium to another. It is the bending of light when it goes through different media.
Angle of Refraction
Light is considered by many scientists to have dual nature, both particle nature and wave nature. First, Particle nature is one in which we consider a stream of packets of energy called photons. Second, Wave nature is considering light as electromagnetic radiation whereas part of it is perceived by humans. Visible spectrum defined by humans lies in a range of 400 to 700 nm wavelengths.
Index of Refraction of Diamond
Diamond, the world’s hardest naturally occurring material and mineral known, is a solid form of the element carbon. The atoms are arranged in a crystal structure called diamond cubic. They exist in a huge variety of colours. Also, they are one of the best conductors of heat and have a very high melting point.
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