Question

A ray of light moves from water (n = 1.33) into air (n = 1.00). Is it possible for the light to undergo total internal reflection? Why or why not?

If the incident angle is 36 degrees, what is the angle in air?

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Answer 1

here,

the refractive index of water , n1 = 1.33

the refractive index of air , n2 = 1

for total internal refraction , the ray must travels from denser to a rarer medium

when ray moves from water to air , it is possible to undergo total internal reflection

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when the angle on incidence , i = 36 degree

let the angle of refraction be r

using the snell's law

sin(r) / sin(i) = n1 /n2

sin(r) /sin(36) = 1.33

r = 51.4 degree

the angle in air is 51.4 degree