Question

Question:A layer of benzene (n = 1.50)that is 4.20 cmdeep floats on water (n = 1.33)that is 5.70 cmdeep. What is the apparent distance from the upper benzene surface to the bottom of the water when you view these layers at normal incidence?

Short answer

The apparent distance from the upper benzene surface to the bottom of the water when you view these layers at normal temperature is -7.085 cm.

Step-by-step solution

Determine the apparent distance

Use the object-image relationship for spherical reflecting surface

Regard both the surfaces as spherical interfaces with radius infinity

Now, for water,

Then,

Therefore, the apparent depth of the water which will work as an object in benzene is 6.4286m.

Now, for benzene: and

Then,

Therefore, the apparent distance from the upper benzene surface to the bottom of the water when you view these layers at normal temperature is -7.085 cm.