A container of flint glass (n = 1.61)holds a small quantity of benzene (n = 1.501).What is the critical angle for internal reflection of a ray in the glass when it is incident on the glass-to-liquid surface?
A)86.1°
B)68.8°
C)41.8°
D)38.4°
E)83.9º

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The critical angle can be found using Snell's Law, $n_1 \sin(\theta_c) = n_2 \sin(90^\circ)$, where $n_1$ is the refractive index of the initial medium (flint glass, 1.61), $n_2$ is the refractive index of the second medium (benzene, 1.501), and $\theta_c$ is the critical angle. Solving for $\theta_c$, we get $\theta_c = \sin^{-1}(\frac{n_2}{n_1}) = \sin^{-1}(\frac{1.501}{1.61})$, which calculates to approximately 68.8°.

A Container of Flint Glass (N = 1