PHYSICAClass 10 Physics simulations · The Human Eye and the Colourful World
Total internal reflection
Shine a laser from glass towards air. Beyond the critical angle no light escapes.
What to notice
As the angle grows the refracted ray skims the surface, then vanishes — all light is reflected.
Key relation
sin θc = n₂ / n₁
Try this
Set the angle just above θc. Then switch to a diamond-like index (2.42).
What you can change
- Index of dense medium n₁: 1.3 to 2.42
- Index of outside medium n₂: 1 to 1.5
- Angle of incidence: 0 to 89 °
More in The Human Eye and the Colourful World
- Defects of vision and their correction
- Dispersion through a prism
- Scattering of light: blue sky, red sunset
See all Class 10 Physics simulations or every Physica simulation.