A printed page is kept pressed by a glass cube-shaped paper-weight of edge 3.0 cm. The refractive index of the glass is $μ = 1.5$. By what amount will the printed letters appear to be shifted when viewed from the top?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → 1.0 cm
Given:
Edge of glass cube = $t = 3.0 \text{ cm}$
Refractive index of glass = $\mu = 1.5$
Apparent shift is given by:
$\text{Shift} = t \left(1 - \frac{1}{\mu}\right)$
Substitute values:
$\text{Shift} = 3.0 \left(1 - \frac{1}{1.5}\right)$
$\text{Shift} = 3.0 \left(1 - \frac{2}{3}\right)$
$\text{Shift} = 3.0 \times \frac{1}{3} = 1.0 \text{ cm}$
The printed letters appear to be shifted by $1.0 \text{ cm}$.