An ice cube has a bubble inside. Viewed from one side, the apparent distance of the bubble is 12 cm. Viewed from the opposite side, the apparent distance is 4 cm. If the side of the cube is 24 cm, the refractive index of ice is:
Options

Question

An ice cube has a bubble inside. Viewed from one side, the apparent distance of the bubble is 12 cm. Viewed from the opposite side, the apparent distance is 4 cm. If the side of the cube is 24 cm, the refractive index of ice is:

Options

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Let the real distance of the bubble from one face be x. For viewing normally through a plane surface: apparent depth = real depth/μ Thus, 12 = x/μ From the opposite face, real depth = 24 - x: 4 = (24 - x)/μ So, x = 12μ 24 - x = 4μ Adding: 24 = 16μ μ = 24/16 = 3/2 Hence option B follows.