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Define the critical angle for a given pair of media and total internal reflection. Obtain the relation between the critical angle and refractive index of the medium.

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Question

Define the critical angle for a given pair of media and total internal reflection. Obtain the relation between the critical angle and refractive index of the medium.

Answer in Brief
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Solution

The angle of incidence corresponding to an angle of refraction of 90° is called the critical angle for the given pair of media. If the angle of incidence of light, when travelling from a denser medium to a rarer medium, is greater than the critical angle then total internal reflection takes place.

Let the angle of incidence i and C be the critical angle C.

Let the angle of refraction r = 90°.

The refractive index of the rarer medium is μa.

The refractive index of the denser medium is μb.

Applying Snell's law,

`(sini)/(sinr) = mu_a/mu_b`

μsinC = μa sin90° ....[∵ i = C and r = 90°]

`mu_a/mu_b = 1/(sinC)`

Thus, we arrive at a formula expressing the critical angle and refractive index relation:

`""_amu_b = 1/(sinC)`

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