(revised 05-10-04)

Refraction Short Answer Problems

EACH PROBLEM REQUIRES COMPLETE DIAGRAM(S)

(1) Explain in detail why we see the sun above the horizon in the morning before it has physically risen above the horizon.

(2) What will happen to the focal length of a lens if it is submerged into a container of water? Your explanation must have a mathematic basis: n_w = 1.33, n_a = 1.00, n_g = 1.50

(3) Establish an association between a ray's angle of reflection, angle of refraction, and critical angle.

(4) Explain, using an example, the practical use of the concept “index of refraction”.

(5) You are marooned on a desert island. You decide to use your eyeglasses to build a signal fire. If you are near-sighted, will you be successful? Explain.

(6) While standing on a river bank, a bow-hunter observes BIG BUBBA, the legendary bass resting near the river bottom. He shoots several arrows into the water, but continues to miss his target. Explain why this individual is missing the fish.

(7) Sketch the path a ray of light will follow as it passes from the initial medium, through each sphere, and back into the initial medium. Use normal lines, label angles of incidence and refraction: Short Answer Problem #7 must be completed as part of the Refraction - Geometric Figures lab.