Single correct option
Consider the following statements about total internal reflection.
1. It can occur when light travels from a rarer medium to a denser medium.
2. The brilliance of a diamond is largely due to its small critical angle.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. It can occur when light travels from a rarer medium to a denser medium.
2. The brilliance of a diamond is largely due to its small critical angle.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A. 1 only
- B. 2 only
- C. Both 1 and 2
- D. Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer and solution
Answer: (B) 2 only
Total internal reflection requires light to travel from a denser to a rarer medium and the angle of incidence to exceed the critical angle, so statement 1 is wrong. Diamond has a high refractive index (about 2.4) and hence a small critical angle (about 24 degrees), causing repeated internal reflections that give its sparkle, so statement 2 is correct.
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