Question

Diamonds sparkle more than the glass, because they have ______.

Options

• smaller critical angle than the glass

• larger critical angle than the glass

• critical angle plays no role

• none of these

Answer 1

Diamonds sparkle more than the glass, because they have smaller critical angle than the glass.

Explanation:

Diamond has a smaller critical angle than glass. Light inside a diamond therefore undergoes total internal reflection more readily, making the diamond sparkle. A larger critical angle would make total internal reflection less likely; the critical angle does play a role.