A fiber-optic cable (n = 1.53) is submerged in water (n = 1.33). Predict whether light will be refracted or whether it will undergo total internal reflection if the angle of incidence is between 65° and 70°.

Total internal refraction occurs when a ray of light meets the following conditions.

1. light falls from an optically dense material to a less dense material.

2. The angle of incident in the denser media must be greater than the critical angle.

In the case above the fiber-optic is optically denser than water. Since the light is incident to fiber-optic-water interface, then one condition is fulfilled.

Checking the other condition we carry out the calculation below;

n1sinФ1=n2sinФ2

where c ⇒critical angle

1.53 sinc = 1.33 sin 90

sinc = 0.86928

c = 60.37°

The angle of incident is (65°-70°) is greater than critical angle.

With certainty, there would be no refraction. Total internal reflection would occur.