Why does total internal reflection happen in glass?

Unredeemed · Mar 8, 2009

Doc Al · Mar 9, 2009

What determines whether total internal reflection can occur?

pakontam · Mar 9, 2009

any microscopic answer?

pallidin · Mar 9, 2009

Perhaps these will help. I pulled them off a Google search:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_internal_reflection

http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/phys/CLass/refrn/u14l3b.html

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/Hbase/phyopt/totint.html

Bob S · Mar 10, 2009

If you go back to Maxwell's equations for the propagation of electromagnetic radiation (E cross H) in media and at surfaces, you will find that there are certain cases where light will be entirely internally reflected. Also, you will find from Maxwell's equations that at a specific angle of incidence on water or glass, one polarization is entirely refracted, and the other completely reflected (Brewster's angle). (Why do fishermen wear polarizing sunglasses?)

Why does total internal reflection happen in glass?

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