I have an infinite number of glass blocks stacked side by side. The first block has refractive index n1, the second n2 and so on, such that n1<n2...<n(infinity). I shine a light on the stack, what angle does the ray make to the normal on the last block?

This question tests your knowledge of the behaviour of light through different mediums. We know that when light travels from air through glass, it tends towards the normal. This is because the glass is denser than air ie: n(glass)>n(air). Our glass blocks increase in density infinitely, so, applying our knowledge from earlier, we can say that the light will tend towards the normal until the infinitieth block where its path is on the normal, so the angle to the normal is 0 degrees.

AC

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

When light above the threshold frequency of a metal is shone on the metal, photoelectrons are emitted. If the power of the light halves, are the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons and/or the number of photoelectrons altered, and if so, how?


How to solve horizontally-launched projectile motion problems using equations of motion?


What is the De Broglie wavelength of an electron given it has a kinetic energy of 1 eV? You are given the mass of an electron is 9.11x10^-31 kg and Planck's constant is 6.63x10^-34


What is the difference between electromotive force and potential difference?