Optics B/C

[randomperson101]

honeybunchesofoats, are you sure we need to know that. There was nothing about that in the rubric.

[ichaelm]

honeybunchesofoats, are you sure we need to know that. There was nothing about that in the rubric.

You're right, the rules say nothing about polarization. I wouldn't expect to see it on a test. Although, we are supposed to know the "difference between coherent and non-coherent light," so you might be expected to have a basic understanding of how polarization works.

For the laser shoot part of the test can you leave your rular and protractor in the box while you shoot the laser or do you have to be able to remove all of your materials?

This FAQ is related to what you're talking about. I think the answer is yes.

And thanks, Draksis314, for that Optics test! I haven't looked at it yet; I'm saving it for later

[smartkid222]

For Division C, we are not allowed to move the barrier when making adjustments right?

[2win]

For Division C, we are not allowed to move the barrier when making adjustments right?

Yup. So one would have to just measure and work around it.

[Littleboy]

Otherwise there would really be no reason for it.

[zapofdoom34]

I need a little help. There was a sample question about Snell's law, and there was this little bit of trigonometry that I didn't quite understand.

Problem: A light beam in air hits a sheet of crown glass at an angle of 30.0°. At what angle is the light beam refracted?

Known
Θ1 = 30.0°
n1 = 1.00
n2 = 1.52

Steps in book-
1) n1 sin Θ1 = n2 sin Θ2
2) sin Θ2 = (n1/n2) sin Θ1
3) Θ2 = sin-1 ((n1/n2) sin Θ1)
4) = sin-1 ((1.00/1.52) sin 30.0°) <--- How do you find the sin 30.0°?
5) = 19.2°

*Please note that the numbers next to the variable 'n' and the theta sign are supposed to be subscripted. Thanks.

[smartkid222]

Finding the sine of an angle requires the use of a scientific or graphing calculator.
You press the sine button (labeled "sin") and then the angle.

[ichaelm]

Also, there are some angles that will yield an exact value in trigonometric functions. 30 degrees in one of them. The sine of 30 degrees is exactly 1/2.

[smartkid222]

How are people approching the laser shoot for Division C? What is the most common/generic method?

[wlasky]

I have a question one of my students asked. Can you bring in rulers photocopied on various sized pieces of paper and then draw on the paper?