Homework Help: Physics

Posted by J on Monday, April 7, 2008 at 5:01pm.

If the critical angle for light at an interface between certain substances is 54.2 degrees, what is the polarizing angle at this same interface?

I am confused!

Physics - drwls, Monday, April 7, 2008 at 5:26pm
Use the critical angle to get the index of refraction ratio, N1/N2

Sin 54.2 = N2/N1 = 0.81106
N1/N2 = 1.233

For the polarizing (Brewster) angle, A

tan A = N2/N1

N2/N1 = 50.1 degrees

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brewster's_angle
for detailed explanation
Physics - J, Monday, April 7, 2008 at 5:28pm
my book says the answer is 39 degrees..
Physics - drwls, Monday, April 7, 2008 at 7:03pm
Right.
arctan N2/N1 = arctan 0.81106 = 39.0 degrees

I failed to use the formula correctly

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