Question

Given the indices of refraction and of material 1 and material 2, respectively, rank these scenarios on the basis of the phase shift in the refracted ray. (n1 air=1.00 n2 water=1.33) (n1air=1.00 n2 quartz=1.46) (n1 water=1.33 n2 air=1.00) (n1 water=1.33 n2 dimond=2.42) (n1 benzen= 1.50 n2 water=1.33) (n1 water=1.33 n2quartz=1.46)

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:    

when light travels from a more dense medium to a less dense medium the light ray is refracted (bent away) from the normal, where as when light travels from a less dense medium to a more dense medium, the light ray is refracted ( bent towards) the normal.

given that the phase shift in the refracted ray is  ∅

hence for Scenario 1 : air to water as against air to quartz

∅ for air to water would be greater than ∅ for air to quartz has quartz(1.46) is more dense than water (1.33)

Scenario 2 : water to air and water to diamond

∅ for water to air would be greater than ∅ for water to diamond as diamond (2.42) is more dense than air (1.0)

Scenario 3 : Benzene to Water and water to Quartz

∅ for Benzene to water would be greater than for ∅ for water to quartz as the light ray is travelling from a more dense medium to a less dense medium in benzene and water and hence it bends away from the normal, while the light ray is traveling from less dense to more dense medium in water and quartz and hence it bends towards the normal.