Help~total internal reflection

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    Internal Reflection
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of total internal reflection (TIR) and the effect of adding water to a system on the visibility of an object (a button) beneath the surface. Participants explore the principles of reflection, Snell's Law, and the refractive indices involved in TIR.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on why adding water makes a button reappear, indicating a lack of understanding of the underlying principles.
  • Another participant confirms their understanding of reflection, Snell's Law, and TIR but expresses confusion specifically about the effect of water.
  • A participant notes that TIR depends on the ratio of refractive indices and prompts others to consider how adding water affects this ratio.
  • There is a suggestion to draw a ray diagram to visualize the situation, indicating that a graphical representation may aid understanding.
  • Participants mention the availability of YouTube demonstrations as additional resources for learning about TIR.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the principles of reflection and TIR but have differing levels of understanding regarding the specific effect of adding water. The discussion remains unresolved as participants seek clarification and further exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the specific values of refractive indices and the critical angle for TIR, which are not fully explored or defined.

jadelamlam
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can anyone explain for me :)?
I have no idea:(
 

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Which bit are you stuck on?
You know how reflection works? You know Snell's Law?
Or is it you don't know how adding water to the bottom makes the button reappear?
 
Re Simon Bridge :
I know how reflection works and the Snell's Law.Also total internal reflection
But I don't know why adding water to the bottom makes the button reappear
 
TIR depends on the ratio of the refractive indexes ... what happens to the refractive index when you add the water?
 
increases?
 
You can tell more than that. What happens to the ratio of the refractive indexes and what does that mean for the critical angle for TIR?

You need to draw a ray diagram of what is happening in the TIR case, and then repeat for if there is water under the beaker.

There are also youtube demos.
 

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