Refraction At Spherical Surfaces Video Lessons

Concept

# Problem: A tiny insect is trapped 1.0 mm from the center of a spherical dewdrop 4.0 mm in diameter.As you look straight into the drop, what is the insect's apparent distance from the drop's surface?Express your answer using two significant figures. Answer is in mm.

###### FREE Expert Solution

Refraction at curved surfaces expression:

$\overline{)\frac{{\mathbf{\eta }}_{\mathbf{2}}}{{\mathbf{s}}_{\mathbf{i}}}{\mathbf{+}}\frac{{\mathbf{\eta }}_{\mathbf{1}}}{{\mathbf{s}}_{\mathbf{o}}}{\mathbf{=}}\frac{{\mathbf{\eta }}_{\mathbf{2}}\mathbf{-}{\mathbf{\eta }}_{\mathbf{1}}}{\mathbf{R}}}$

Take the observer to be in the positive direction.

η2 = ηair = 1

η1 = ηwater = 1.33

so = -1.00 mm

r = -(d/2) = -(4.00/2) = -2.00 mm

79% (309 ratings)
###### Problem Details

A tiny insect is trapped 1.0 mm from the center of a spherical dewdrop 4.0 mm in diameter.

As you look straight into the drop, what is the insect's apparent distance from the drop's surface?