5 Questions
What phenomenon occurs when waves arriving at the interface from one medium to another are not refracted into the second medium, but completely reflected back into the first medium?
Total internal reflection (TIR)
In which scenario does total internal reflection occur?
When the second medium has a higher wave speed than the first and the waves are incident at a sufficiently oblique angle on the interface
In which type of waves does total internal reflection occur?
Electromagnetic waves, sound waves, and water waves
What tends to be described in terms of 'rays' rather than waves when total internal reflection occurs?
The reflection when waves are capable of forming a narrow beam
When are rays perpendicular to the associated wavefronts during total internal reflection?
In a medium whose properties are independent of direction, such as air, water or glass
Study Notes
Total Internal Reflection
- Total internal reflection occurs when waves arriving at the interface from one medium to another are not refracted into the second medium, but completely reflected back into the first medium.
- This phenomenon occurs when the angle of incidence in the first medium is greater than the critical angle of the interface.
- Total internal reflection occurs in scenarios where the refractive index of the second medium is lower than that of the first medium.
- This phenomenon occurs in optical fibers, where light waves are confined within the fiber.
- Total internal reflection occurs in all types of waves, including light, sound, and seismic waves.
- During total internal reflection, light is often described in terms of 'rays' rather than waves.
- Rays are perpendicular to the associated wavefronts during total internal reflection when the angle of incidence equals the critical angle.
Test your knowledge of the physics phenomenon where waves are completely reflected back into the first medium when arriving at the interface from another medium with a higher wave speed. This quiz covers the conditions and examples of total internal reflection.
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