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: 52

Answer

$34.8^\circ$

Work Step by Step

The most important part of this problem is to sketch it very well so you are not confused by any given data. The author here asks about $\theta_T$ (Target angle) in the figure below. We can see from the geometry of the figure below that $$\theta_T=\tan^{-1}\left[ \dfrac{3\;\rm m}{\Delta x_1+\Delta x_2} \right]\tag 1$$ So we have to find $\Delta x_1$ and $\Delta x_2$ From the geometry of the figure below, we can see that $$\theta_2=\bf 60^\circ$$ since it is the supplementary angle. Also, we can see that $$\tan30^\circ=\dfrac{2}{\Delta x_1}$$ Hence, $$\Delta x_1=\dfrac{2\;\rm m}{\tan30^\circ}=\bf 2\sqrt{3}\;\rm m\tag 2$$ Now we can find $\theta_1$ by applying Snell's law, $$n_1\sin\theta_1=n_2\sin\theta_2$$ where $_1$ refers to water and $_2$ refers to air. Hence, $$\theta_1=\sin^{-1}\left[ \dfrac{n_2\sin\theta_2}{n_1}\right]$$ Plugging the known; $$\theta_1=\sin^{-1}\left[ \dfrac{(1.0)\sin60^\circ}{1.33}\right]$$ $$\theta_1=\bf 40.63^\circ$$ Now we can see that $$\tan(90^\circ -\theta_1)=\dfrac{1\;\rm m}{\Delta x_2}$$ Hence, $$\Delta x_2=\dfrac{1\;\rm m}{\tan49.37^\circ}=\bf 0.858\;\rm m\tag 3$$ Now we need to plug (2) and (3) into (1), $$\theta_T=\tan^{-1}\left[ \dfrac{3\;\rm m}{2\sqrt{3} \;\rm m+0.858\;\rm m} \right]=\color{red}{\bf 34.8^\circ}$$ So you should fire the spear at an angle of about 35$^\circ$ below the horizontal.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.