The critical angle for total internal reflection at a diamond-air interface is 25°.Suppose light is incident at an angle of $\theta$with the normal.Total internal reflection will occur if the incident medium is: A)air and $\theta$= 25° B)air and $\theta$ 25° C)air and $\theta$

Question

The critical angle for total internal reflection at a diamond-air interface is 25°.Suppose light is incident at an angle of $\theta$with the normal.Total internal reflection will occur if the incident medium is: A)air and $\theta$= 25° B)air and $\theta$> 25° C)air and $\theta$< 25° D)diamond and $\theta$< 25° E)diamond and$\theta$> 25°

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Total internal reflection occurs when light moves from a medium with a higher refractive index to one with a lower refractive index at an angle of incidence greater than the critical angle. Since diamond has a higher refractive index than air, and the critical angle is 25 degrees, total internal reflection will occur if the light is in diamond and the angle of incidence is greater than 25 degrees.

The Critical Angle for Total Internal Reflection at a Diamond-Air θ\thetaθ

The Critical Angle for Total Internal Reflection at a Diamond-Air $\theta$