The critical angle for total internal reflection is the
A) single angle for which transmission through the boundary is zero.
B) maximum angle of incidence, below which no light is transmitted through the boundary.
C) minimum angle of incidence, above which no light is transmitted through the boundary.
D) minimum or maximum angle, depending on which of the indices of refraction is larger.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The critical angle for total internal reflection is the minimum angle of incidence, above which no light is transmitted through the boundary. This occurs when light travels from a medium with a higher index of refraction to a medium with a lower index of refraction, and the angle of incidence is greater than a certain value (the critical angle). At this angle, the refracted angle would be 90 degrees, and any further increase in the angle of incidence would result in total internal reflection.

The Critical Angle for Total Internal Reflection Is the