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

2043 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

The tip of each prong of a tuning fork emitting a note of 320Hz vibrates in SHM with an amplitude of 0.50mm. What is the speed of each tip when its displacement is zero?


How do I resolve forces on a slope?


A satellite is in a stationary orbit above a planet of mass 8.9 x 10^25 kg and period of rotation 1.2 x 10^5 s. Calculate the radius of the satellite's orbit from the centre of the planet.


If a wire loop moves at constant speed into a region where there is a magnetic field, why is a current induced in the wire?


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