Physics Review Question

Unit: waves
Year: 1992 Question#: 44
Question: A ray of light is incident on a block of Lucite at an angle of 60° from the normal. The angle of refraction of this ray in the Lucite is closest to

(1 ) 35° (2 ) 45°
(3 ) 60°
(4 ) 75°

What is this question really asking?


Explanation by: Christine A

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Answer 1
35°

INCORRECT

Because Lucite is a slower medium than air the ray would bend toward the normal, but Snells's law says it would not bend that far. return to top























Answer 2
45°

CORRECT

Snells law tells us the answer. return to top



























Answer 3
60°

INCORRECT

Because Lucite is a slower medium than air, the ray of light will bend closer to the normal than 60° . It will not remain at this angle, so answer 3 is incorrect. return to top


























Answer 4
75°

INCORRECT

Because Lucite is a slower medium than air, the ray of light eill bend closer to the normal than it was to begin with. Because 75° is larger than 60°, answer 4 is incorrect. return to top


























What's this question really asking?

Do you know how to use the reference tables (to find the "Absolute Indices of Refraction")?
Do you know about how waves bend upon entering a new medium (bend toward or away from the normal)? return to top

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