Problem 5.149 — Magneto-Optical: Faraday Rotation in Flint Glass

Problem Statement

Solve the optics problem: Solve the optics problem: Flint glass has Verdet constant $V = 3.5$ rad/(T·m). A 10 cm rod in a field $B = 0.8$ T. Find the rotation angle. $$\phi = VBl = 3.5\times0.8\times0.10 = 0.28\text{ rad} \approx \boxed{16°}$$ Refractive index $n$ or focal length $f$ as given Object distance $u$ (negative fo

Given Information

  • $\phi = VBl = 3.5\times0.8\times0.10 = 0.28\text{ rad}$

Physical Concepts & Formulas

Rotational kinematics mirrors linear kinematics with $\theta \leftrightarrow x$, $\omega \leftrightarrow v$, $\alpha \leftrightarrow a$. The angular velocity vector $\boldsymbol{\omega}$ points along the rotation axis (right-hand rule). For a point at distance $r$ from the axis: $v = r\omega$ and $a_\tau = r\alpha$, $a_n = r\omega^2 = v^2/r$.

  • $v = r\omega$ — tangential speed from angular velocity
  • $a_\tau = r\alpha$ — tangential acceleration
  • $a_n = r\omega^2 = v^2/r$ — centripetal acceleration
  • $\omega = d\theta/dt$, $\alpha = d\omega/dt$

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1 — Verify the result: Check units, limiting cases, and order of magnitude to confirm the answer is physically reasonable.

Step 2 — Verify the result: Check units, limiting cases, and order of magnitude to confirm the answer is physically reasonable.

Step 3 — Verify the result: Check units, limiting cases, and order of magnitude to confirm the answer is physically reasonable.

Worked Calculation

$$\phi = VBl = 3.5\times0.8\times0.10 = 0.28\text{ rad} \approx \boxed{16°}$$

$$\frac{1}{v} = \frac{1}{f} + \frac{1}{u}\quad\text{(mirror)} \quad\text{or}\quad \frac{1}{v} = \frac{1}{f} + \frac{1}{u}\quad\text{(lens with Cartesian)}$$

$$\boxed{\frac{1}{v} – \frac{1}{u} = \frac{1}{f}}$$

Answer

$$\phi = VBl = 3.5\times0.8\times0.10 = 0.28\text{ rad} \approx \boxed{16°}$$

Physical Interpretation

The numerical answer is physically reasonable — matching expected orders of magnitude and dimensional analysis. The result confirms the theoretical prediction and provides quantitative insight into the system’s behaviour.


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