PHYSICAClass 12 Physics simulations · Ray Optics and Optical Instruments
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 Ray Optics and Optical Instruments
- Real and apparent depth
- Astronomical telescope
- Compound microscope
- Image in a concave mirror
- Two thin lenses in contact
- Image through a convex lens
- Lens maker’s formula
- Images in two inclined mirrors
- Guiding light in an optical fibre
- Prism: angle of minimum deviation
- Dispersion through a prism
- Refraction and total internal reflection
- Spherical mirrors: ray diagram
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