Answer:
b = 2.22 cm
Explanation:
The laser hits a point where the origin of the coordinate system is to carry out the measurements. When the ray enters the glass the angle of refraction is given by the equation
n₁ sin θ₁ = n₂ sin θ₂
where n₁ is the index of refraction of air n₁ = 1 and n₂ is the index of refraction of glass n₂ = 1.6
sin θ₂ = n₁ /n₂ sin θ₁
sin θ₂ = 1 / 1.6 sin 36
sin θ₂ = 0.367
θ₂ = sin⁻¹ 0.367
θ₂ = 21.6º
with this angle and trigonometry we can find the distance x that the ray advances before reaching the bottom of the glass plate
tan 21.6 = x / d
where d is the thickness of the glass d = 2.8 cm
x = d tan 21.6
x = 2.8 tan 21.6
x = 1.11 cm
as in the second surface it has a process of reflection the angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence θ_reflected = 21.6º, therefore to return to the upper surface recreate the same distance, therefore the total distance is
b = 2x
b = 2 1.11
b = 2.22 cm
