Question

The radius of curvature of both sides of a converging lens is 18 cm. One side of the lens is coated withsilver so that the inner surface is reflective. When light is incident on the uncoated side it passes throughthe lens, reflects off the silver coating, and passes back through the lens. The overall effect is that of amirror with focal length 5.0 cm. What is the index of refraction of the lens material

Answer 1

n = 1.4

Step-by-step explanation:

Given,

R1 = 18 cm, R2 = -18 cm

From lens makers formula

1/f = (n - 1)(1/18 + 1/18) = (n-1)/9

f = 9/(n-1)

Power, P = 1/f ( in m) = (n-1)/0.09

Now, this lens is in with conjunction with a concave mirror which then can be thought of as to be in conjunction with another thin lens

Power of concave mirror = P' = 1/f ( in m) = 2/R = 2/0.18 = 1/0.09

Net power of the combination = 2P + P' = 2(n-1)/0.09 + 1/0.09 = 1/0.05

n = 1.4