1) For the triangular prism shown, 0 = 38°. What is the smallest index of refraction that the prism can have such that the light ray shown doesn't escape the prism at point P? (Assume the prism is surrounded by air.)

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### Problem Statement:
For the triangular prism shown, \( \theta = 38^\circ \). What is the smallest index of refraction that the prism can have such that the light ray shown doesn’t escape the prism at point P? (Assume the prism is surrounded by air.)

#### Explanation:
This is a problem related to the concepts of refraction and total internal reflection. The angle \(\theta = 38^\circ\) indicates the angle of incidence or some relevant angle within the triangular prism setup. The goal is to determine the minimum refractive index of the prism material to ensure that the light does not escape at point P.

## Concepts to Consider:
1. **Snell's Law**: Governs the relationship between the angles of incidence and refraction when light passes through different media.
   \[
   n_1 \sin \theta_1 = n_2 \sin \theta_2
   \]
   Where \( n_1 \) and \( n_2 \) are the refractive indices of the two media, and \(\theta_1\) and \(\theta_2\) are the angles of incidence and refraction respectively.
   
2. **Total Internal Reflection (TIR)**: Occurs when a light ray traveling from a medium with a higher refractive index to a medium with a lower refractive index hits the boundary at an angle greater than the critical angle.
   \[
   \sin \theta_c = \frac{n_2}{n_1}
   \]
   Where \(\theta_c\) is the critical angle.

#### Application:
Since the prism is surrounded by air, with a refractive index of approximately 1, to prevent light from escaping at point P:
- Calculate the critical angle for the interface.
- Ensure the internal angle is greater than the critical angle.
- Apply Snell's law appropriately to match the given angle \(\theta\).

### Diagram:
(Unfortunately, the actual diagram is not included, but typically it would show a triangular prism with a light ray entering, interacting with internal surfaces, and the point P where potential refraction or reflection is occurring.)

## Solution:
To find the smallest index of refraction \( n \):
1. Use Snell's Law at the air-prism interface.
2. Determine the necessary conditions for TIR to occur at point P.

(Note: The detailed solution will involve calculations using the given angle and applying the principles
Transcribed Image Text:### Problem Statement: For the triangular prism shown, \( \theta = 38^\circ \). What is the smallest index of refraction that the prism can have such that the light ray shown doesn’t escape the prism at point P? (Assume the prism is surrounded by air.) #### Explanation: This is a problem related to the concepts of refraction and total internal reflection. The angle \(\theta = 38^\circ\) indicates the angle of incidence or some relevant angle within the triangular prism setup. The goal is to determine the minimum refractive index of the prism material to ensure that the light does not escape at point P. ## Concepts to Consider: 1. **Snell's Law**: Governs the relationship between the angles of incidence and refraction when light passes through different media. \[ n_1 \sin \theta_1 = n_2 \sin \theta_2 \] Where \( n_1 \) and \( n_2 \) are the refractive indices of the two media, and \(\theta_1\) and \(\theta_2\) are the angles of incidence and refraction respectively. 2. **Total Internal Reflection (TIR)**: Occurs when a light ray traveling from a medium with a higher refractive index to a medium with a lower refractive index hits the boundary at an angle greater than the critical angle. \[ \sin \theta_c = \frac{n_2}{n_1} \] Where \(\theta_c\) is the critical angle. #### Application: Since the prism is surrounded by air, with a refractive index of approximately 1, to prevent light from escaping at point P: - Calculate the critical angle for the interface. - Ensure the internal angle is greater than the critical angle. - Apply Snell's law appropriately to match the given angle \(\theta\). ### Diagram: (Unfortunately, the actual diagram is not included, but typically it would show a triangular prism with a light ray entering, interacting with internal surfaces, and the point P where potential refraction or reflection is occurring.) ## Solution: To find the smallest index of refraction \( n \): 1. Use Snell's Law at the air-prism interface. 2. Determine the necessary conditions for TIR to occur at point P. (Note: The detailed solution will involve calculations using the given angle and applying the principles
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Hi,

I got 1.270 as my answer. Could you please double check your answer?

I did, 1/sin(52) = 1.270

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