What Is the Minimum Index of Refraction for Total Internal Reflection?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a prism and the concept of total internal reflection, specifically seeking to determine the minimum index of refraction required for this phenomenon to occur at a specific surface of the prism.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the definition of total internal reflection and its implications for light behavior at the boundary between different media. There are questions about the angles involved in Snell's law and how they relate to total internal reflection.

Discussion Status

The discussion is exploring the concept of total internal reflection, with some participants providing explanations and others seeking further clarification. There is an acknowledgment of the need for a deeper understanding of the principles involved.

Contextual Notes

One participant notes the potential incompleteness of the original question, indicating that additional context may be necessary for a full understanding of the problem.

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Homework Statement


The prism is replaced by a new prism of the same shape, which is set in the same position. The light beam experiences total internal reflection at the right surface of this prism. What is the minimum possible index of refraction of this prism?


Homework Equations


Snell's law

nsinx=nsinx


The Attempt at a Solution


I think know how to do it, I just need to know what "total internal reflection" means. Please help
 
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Total internal reflection is what occurs when the light hits a medium boundary at such a wide angle the the light completely 'bounces' off the boundary, without crossing it.
For example, if the light hits a boundary of a perspex prism and air - and bounces back into the prism instead of proceeding out into the air.
If I remember correctly, the angle is hits the boundary at is the angle is bounces back at.
 
...so the angles in Snell's law would be the same?
 
Well I'm not sure - Because you only seem to have a fragment of the question there which refers to other sections of the question.
However, since you said you only needed to know what total internal reflection is - and my explanation doesn't work for you - have a lookhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_internal_reflection"
That should have a nice explanation and plenty of pictures to explain it to you.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks, I think I get it now
 

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