In total internal reflection when the angle of incidence is equal to the critical angle for the pair of media

Question

In total internal reflection when the angle of incidence is equal to the critical angle for the pair of media in contact, what will be the angle of refraction?

Accepted Answer

1. **Definition of Critical Angle:** The critical angle ($i_c$) is defined as the angle of incidence in the denser medium for which the angle of refraction ($r$) in the rarer medium is exactly $90^\circ$.
2. **Behavior of Light:** When light travels from a denser medium to a rarer medium with an angle of incidence equal to the critical angle, the refracted ray grazes the surface of separation between the two media.
3. **Conclusion:** Therefore, when $i = i_c$, the angle of refraction $r = 90^\circ$.

Step-by-Step Solution

Practice All PHYSICS Questions