Can a sphere has a critial angle

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of critical angles in relation to spheres, specifically questioning whether a sphere can exhibit a critical angle similar to that observed in total internal reflection phenomena, such as in water droplets creating rainbows.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether a sphere can have a critical angle, prompting further clarification.
  • Another participant suggests that the phenomenon of total internal reflection in water droplets leads to the formation of rainbows, implying a connection to the critical angle concept.
  • A third participant explains the process of light refraction within a water droplet, noting that light is refracted twice and that different wavelengths are refracted at different angles, likening the effect to that of a prism.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether a sphere can have a critical angle, and multiple viewpoints regarding the relationship between spheres and total internal reflection remain present.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks clarity on the definitions of critical angle and total internal reflection as they apply to spherical objects, and the assumptions underlying these concepts are not fully explored.

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can a sphere has a critial angle
 
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I'm afraid you'll have to be a little more specific.

- Warren
 
i mean why the water drop can total internal reflect and we can see a rainbow.I THINK CIRLCE DOES NOT HAS TOTAL REFLECT
 
The light is refracted twice. Once when it enters the drop of water, and a second time when it exits. The angle of refraction depends on the wavelength of the light. So red will be refracted at a different angle than blue. The whole thing works like a prism, and you get your rainbow. Is that what you wanted to know?
 

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