A Ray of Light Passing from Air into a Block of Glass

What is the value of distance D when a ray of light passes from air into a block of glass with a refractive index of 1.59?

The value of distance D is approximately 2.216.

When light passes from one medium to another, it changes direction due to the change in the refractive index of the two mediums. In this case, the light ray is passing from air (with a refractive index of approximately 1) into a block of glass with a refractive index of 1.59.

To calculate the value of distance D, we can use the formula D = 4 * tan(theta), where theta is the angle of incidence of the light ray.

From the given information, we can see that sin(theta) = 1.59 * sin(28.8°). Using trigonometric identities, we can find the value of sin(theta) to be 0.767.

Substitute the value of sin(theta) into the formula for distance D: D = 4 * tan(28.8°), which results in D ≈ 2.216.

Therefore, the value of distance D when a ray of light passes from air into a block of glass with a refractive index of 1.59 is approximately 2.216. The calculation involves utilizing trigonometric functions and the refractive indices of the two mediums.