Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321740904
ISBN 13: 978-0-32174-090-8

Chapter 23 - Ray Optics - Exercises and Problems - Page 691: 50

Answer

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Work Step by Step

$$\color{blue}{\bf [a]}$$ As we see in the sketch below, we treated the light as a ray model. The rays inside the water from the fire are the refracted rays that penetrate the water-air surface at angles from 0$^\circ$ to 90$^\circ$ but of course, the refracted angles of the rays are from 0$^\circ$ to $\theta_c$ which is the critical angle between the water-air boundary. So the fish just below the surface has to be nearer the fire-edge so it can see the fire. And the deeper it divs, the wider the range it can see the fire. $$\color{blue}{\bf [b]}$$ Now we need to find the shallowest depth that the fish can see the fire. So we have to find the critical angle first which is given by Snell's law $$n_{air}\sin90^\circ=n_{water}\sin\theta_c$$ So, $$\theta_c=\sin^{-1}\left[ \dfrac{n_{air}}{n_{water}} \right]$$ $$\theta_c=\sin^{-1}\left[ \dfrac{1}{1.33} \right]=\bf 48.75^\circ$$ Hence, the smallest depth $y$ is given by $$\tan\theta_c=\dfrac{20}{y}$$ Hence, $$y=\dfrac{20}{\tan\theta_c}=\dfrac{20}{\tan 48.75^\circ}$$ $$y=\color{red}{\bf 17.5}\;\rm m$$ The fish must dive to 17.5 m so it can see the fire.
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