Lesson: Critical Angle for Total Internal Reflection High School Physics

Physics

In this lesson, we will learn how to relate the paths of refracted and internally reflected light rays to the refractive index of media they travel in.

Video

13:05

Sample Question Videos

04:14

Worksheet

Q1:

Which of the following formulas correctly shows the relation between the critical angle for total internal reflection for a light ray, the refractive index of the substance the light is propagating in, and the refractive index of the substance when the light is reflected from its surface?

Q2:

What is the critical angle for a light ray traveling in water with a refractive index of 1.33 that is incident on the surface of water above which air is with a refractive index of 1.00? Answer to the nearest degree.

Q3:

What is the critical angle for a light ray traveling in water with a refractive index of 1.33 that is incident on the surface of water above which ice is with a refractive index of 1.31? Answer to the nearest degree.

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