The Refraction of Light and Percentage of Error
Not what you're looking for?
In one of the many books published by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy called Optics, Ptolemy reports the results of refraction experiments he conducted by observing light passing from air into water. His results are as follows: angle of incidence = 10.0 degrees, angle of refraction = 8.00 degrees; angle of incidence = 20.0 degrees, angle of refraction = 15.5 degrees. Find the percentage error for each of Ptolemy's measurements.
Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary
This solution provides a step by step explanation of how to work through this calculation based physics problem. All the necessary algebra and variables needed to solve and understand this problem are provided within the response.
Solution Preview
We know that the index of refraction for air is n=1.00 and for water n=1.33.
Using Snell's law:
n_i * sin(theta_i) = n_r * sin (theta_r)
Where,
n_i is the incident index of refraction (air, n_i = ...
Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
The Moon
Test your knowledge of moon phases and movement.
Variables in Science Experiments
How well do you understand variables? Test your knowledge of independent (manipulated), dependent (responding), and controlled variables with this 10 question quiz.
Intro to the Physics Waves
Some short-answer questions involving the basic vocabulary of string, sound, and water waves.
Introduction to Nanotechnology/Nanomaterials
This quiz is for any area of science. Test yourself to see what knowledge of nanotechnology you have. This content will also make you familiar with basic concepts of nanotechnology.
Basic Physics
This quiz will test your knowledge about basic Physics.