Ray Optics: Refraction and Lenses

Refraction and Lenses: Audio Guided Solution

Problem Set RL3, Question 1:

Consider the right triangle shown at the right. If x = 48.1 cm and y = 29.1 cm, then what is the angle theta (in degrees)?

 


 

Audio Guided Solution




Habits of an Effective Problem Solver

  • Read the problem carefully and develop a mental picture of the physical situation. If necessary, sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help you visualize it.
  • Identify the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner. Equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity - e.g., do = 24.2 cm; di= 16.8 cm; f = ???.
  • Use physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity.
  • Identify the appropriate formula(s) to use.
  • Perform substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.


Watch It!

Watch a portion of our YouTube video on the topic fo SOH CAH TOA and the relationship between the sides of a right triangle and the angle measures.