Critical angle of light in medium – Rankers Physics

Total Internal Reflection: Practice Problem & Solution

Critical angle of light passing from water to air is maximum for
Yellow
Green
Blue
Indigo

Solution Explained:

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Total Internal Reflection. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

Critical angle is given by \(sintheta_c = frac{1}{mu}\). According to Cauchy's formula, the refractive index \(mu\) increases as wavelength decreases (Yellow > Green > Blue > Indigo in wavelength). Therefore, Yellow has the lowest refractive index and thus the maximum critical angle.

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