All MCAT Physical Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #16 :General Principles And Properties
A scuba diver wearing a head lamp is returning to the surface of the Pacific Ocean. What is the index of refraction of the ocean water if the smallest angle resulting in total internal reflection is 35 degrees from the vertical?
Possible Answers:
Correct answer:
Explanation:
We can use Snell's law to calculate the index of refraction of the water:
Where the subscript 1 denotes water and subscript 2 denotes air.
At the first incidence of total internal reflection, the angle of refraction is 90 degrees. Therefore, the sine function becomes 1, giving us the formula:
Rearranging for the index of water:
Andrew
Certified Tutor
Certified Tutor
University of South Florida-Main Campus, Bachelors, Biomedical Sciences. New York Medical College, PHD, Doctor of Medicine.
All MCAT Physical Resources
Popular Subjects
Computer Science Tutors in Phoenix,Math Tutors in Denver,Math Tutors in Miami,English Tutors in Los Angeles,Reading Tutors in Boston,French Tutors in Houston,Calculus Tutors in Washington DC,GMAT Tutors in Phoenix,Chemistry Tutors in New York City,English Tutors in Washington DC
Popular Courses & Classes
SAT Courses & Classes in Washington DC,Spanish Courses & Classes in Los Angeles,LSAT Courses & Classes in San Diego,ACT Courses & Classes in Houston,SAT Courses & Classes in Houston,LSAT Courses & Classes in Phoenix,MCAT Courses & Classes in Seattle,MCAT Courses & Classes in Miami,LSAT Courses & Classes in Chicago,ACT Courses & Classes in Seattle