At what angle does total internal reflection occur?

This question is to do with the refraction that occurs when a light ray hits a boundary between two media of different refractive index. We know that the relationship between the angle of incidence and angle of refraction is given by Snell's law. Using this, and the fact that total internal refraction occurs at an angle of 90 degrees to the normal of the boundary, we can calculate an angle of incidence that leads to total internal refraction for any material.

Answered by Alex S. Physics tutor

4415 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What energy transfers are involved in you being able to move?


An elastic wire suspended from a workbench has a 2kg mass attached to its free end. The wire changes in length by 2cm. Calculate the elastic potential energy stored in the wire.


What is the difference between a longitudinal and a transverse wave?


Why protons held together in the nucleus?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences