Figure 2367 shows a liquid-detecting prism device that | StudySoup

Textbook Solutions for Physics: Principles with Applications

Chapter 23 Problem 86

Question

Figure 23–67 shows a liquid-detecting prism device that might be used inside a washing machine. If no liquid covers the prism’s hypotenuse, total internal reflection of the beam from the light source produces a large signal in the light sensor. If liquid covers the hypotenuse, some light escapes from the prism into the liquid and the light sensor’s signal decreases. Thus a large signal from the light sensor indicates the absence of liquid in the reservoir. Determine the allowable range for the prism’s index of refraction\(n\).

Solution

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The first step in solving 23 problem number 86 trying to solve the problem we have to refer to the textbook question: Figure 23–67 shows a liquid-detecting prism device that might be used inside a washing machine. If no liquid covers the prism’s hypotenuse, total internal reflection of the beam from the light source produces a large signal in the light sensor. If liquid covers the hypotenuse, some light escapes from the prism into the liquid and the light sensor’s signal decreases. Thus a large signal from the light sensor indicates the absence of liquid in the reservoir. Determine the allowable range for the prism’s index of refraction\(n\).
From the textbook chapter Light: Geometric Optics you will find a few key concepts needed to solve this.

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Title Physics: Principles with Applications 7 
Author Douglas C. Giancoli
ISBN 9780321625922

Figure 2367 shows a liquid-detecting prism device that

Chapter 23 textbook questions

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