Total Internal reflection question

In summary, the critical angle for red light is 41.1 degrees and for violet light is 40.6 degrees. The index of refraction for glass is 1.523 for white light. Therefore, the red light disappears first due to total internal reflection, and at any angle greater than 41.0 degrees, only violet light is visible.
  • #1
mr.miagi
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1. A white light source is below the lower surface of a piece of optical-quality glass. The glass has an index of refraction of 1.520 for red light and 1.538 for violet. If you were able to move your eye at any angle relative to the perpendicular to the glass, calculate A) Which color disappears first due to total internal reflection B) At what angle do you see only a single color, red or violet?

2. critical angle = sin-1(n1/n2)

3. So far I have done the following
critical angle = sin-1(1.00/1.520) =41.1degrees for red
critical angle = sin-1(1.00/1.538) =40.6degrees for violet
The index of refraction for glass is 1.523
critical angle = sin-1(1.00/1.523) = 41.0 degrees
Therefore the red light would disapear first because its critical angle is bigger then that of 41.0 degrees.
part B) the angle would be anything greater then 41.0degrees the only the violet light would be visible.
Is this correct?
 
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  • #2
The index of refraction for glass is 1.523 For which color?
 
  • #3
The index of refraction for glass is 1.523, for white light.
 

1. What is total internal reflection?

Total internal reflection is a phenomenon that occurs when a ray of light passes from a denser medium to a less dense medium at an angle of incidence greater than the critical angle. This causes the light to reflect back into the denser medium instead of refracting out of it, resulting in no light being transmitted through the interface.

2. What is the critical angle?

The critical angle is the angle of incidence at which total internal reflection occurs. It is determined by the relative refractive indices of the two media and can be calculated using Snell's law.

3. What are some real-life applications of total internal reflection?

Total internal reflection has many practical uses, such as in optical fibers for telecommunication, prisms and mirrors in optical instruments, and diamond cutting tools. It is also used in nature, such as in the eyes of cats and other nocturnal animals to enhance their night vision.

4. Can total internal reflection occur in all mediums?

No, total internal reflection can only occur when light travels from a denser medium to a less dense medium. It is a result of the difference in refractive indices between the two media.

5. How does the incident angle affect total internal reflection?

The incident angle is crucial in total internal reflection as it determines whether or not it will occur. If the incident angle is less than the critical angle, the light will refract out of the denser medium. However, if the incident angle is equal to or greater than the critical angle, total internal reflection will occur.

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