Strontium titanate (SrTiO3) is a rare oxide mineral found naturally in tausonite crystals in Siberia. Because it has an index of refraction (n = 2.41) value similar to that of diamond, it is often used as a diamond substitute. Were it not for its greater physical density and its greater softness (it shows abrasions and scratches much more commonly under a microscope), a jeweler would have difficulty distinguishing between diamond and strontium titanate. The triangular prism at the right is made of strontium titanate. A ray of light in air approaches the boundary at an angle of incidence of 30.0°. The ray strikes at the midpoint of one of the faces of the triangle.a. Determine the angle of refraction upon entering into the prism.b. Use geometric principles to determine the angle of incidence at the opposite side of the triangle.c. Will the light ray refract out of the prism at this opposite face or will it undergo total internal reflection? Do the calculation and explain the answer.
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.
Strontium titanate (SrTiO3) is a rare oxide mineral found naturally in tausonite crystals in Siberia. Because it has an index of refraction (n = 2.41) value similar to that of diamond, it is often used as a diamond substitute. Were it not for its greater physical density and its greater softness (it shows abrasions and scratches much more commonly under a microscope), a jeweler would have difficulty distinguishing between diamond and strontium titanate.
The triangular prism at the right is made of strontium titanate. A ray of light in air approaches the boundary at an angle of incidence of 30.0°. The ray strikes at the midpoint of one of the faces of the triangle.
a. Determine the angle of refraction upon entering into the prism.
b. Use geometric principles to determine the angle of incidence at the opposite side of the triangle.
c. Will the light ray refract out of the prism at this opposite face or will it undergo total internal reflection? Do the calculation and explain the answer.
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