Why does total internal reflection happen in glass?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the phenomenon of total internal reflection in glass, exploring the underlying principles and conditions that allow it to occur. Participants inquire about the factors influencing this optical behavior and seek both conceptual and microscopic explanations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the fundamental reasons behind total internal reflection in glass.
  • Another participant asks what specific factors determine the occurrence of total internal reflection.
  • A request for a microscopic explanation of the phenomenon is made by a participant.
  • One participant provides links to external resources that may offer additional information on total internal reflection.
  • A later reply references Maxwell's equations, suggesting that they provide insight into the conditions under which light can be completely internally reflected, including the concept of Brewster's angle and its relevance to polarized light.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express curiosity about the topic, but there is no consensus on the specific mechanisms or conditions that lead to total internal reflection. Multiple viewpoints and questions remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify the assumptions underlying the conditions for total internal reflection, nor does it resolve the mathematical or physical principles involved.

Unredeemed
Messages
120
Reaction score
0
Why does total internal reflection happen in glass?
 
Science news on Phys.org
What determines whether total internal reflection can occur?
 
any microscopic answer?
 
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?)
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Outer layer refractive index - total internal refection on waveguide
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Graduate Is there refraction upon frustrated total internal reflection
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
High School Shouldn't the refracted ray be along the boundary here?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Graduate What's the amount of energy lost in Total Internal Reflection?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Graduate Iphone Reflection has a pattern
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Energy Loss During Total Internal Reflection
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
Undergrad How does Total Internal Reflection in a mm/sm fiber work?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
High School Double Glazed Window Reflection
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
7K
High School Why is there a second black ring in Pfund's method with water on the Petri Dish?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Graduate Frustrated Total Internal Reflection
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K