Find the angle at which total internal refraction takes place when light is going from glass to air.

The angle at which this takes place is called the critical angle. 

We can apply Snell's law in this situation:  nsin C1 = nsin (90deg)

sin C = n/ n1 

If the second medium is air, then n~1, so sin C = 1/ n1

CT
Answered by Catherine T. Physics tutor

2317 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is an electron volt?


What is an ohmic resistor? How to check if a resistor is ohmic?


What is the maximum frequency photon of one of the photons produced when a electron and positron annihilate each other?


Explain why a transformer only works with an alternating current and doesn't with a direct current.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning