Total Internal Reflection Question

AI Thread Summary
Total internal reflection (TIR) occurs when light hits a boundary at an angle greater than the critical angle, causing it to reflect entirely within the medium. The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection, but the specific angle, such as 60 degrees, is not a requirement for TIR. The confusion arises from the assumption that 60 degrees is a fixed angle for all cases of TIR, which is incorrect. The critical angle varies depending on the refractive indices of the two media involved. Therefore, while the principle of reflection holds, the angle of 60 degrees is not universally applicable in the context of TIR.
BrooklynBees
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I have written in my notes the following:

"Total internal reflection will have reflecting ray only, same as incident (60 degrees)."

I understand everything but the 60 degrees part. If there is total internal reflection, will the angle of reflection and the angle of incident both always be 60 degrees? That doesn't make sense to me.
 
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The rule for reflection is, of course, that the incident angle equals the reflected angle. 60 degrees was quite likely just an example that you have since forgot about. At least, I can't think of any TIF rule that has to do specifically with 60 degrees.
 
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