partial and total reflection

Question 1

What is partial reflection and refraction?

Answer 1

Partial reflection and refraction is when the same ray of light is both reflected and refracted stimoutanously.

The amount of reflection compared to the amount of refraction is dependent on the angle of incidence, and the INDEX refraction of the two mediums

Question 2

How do you know more like is reflected in partial reflection?

Answer 2

The larger the incidence angle, the more reflection happens, and LESS REFRACTION happens.

(less light will pentrate the second medium)

Question 3

WHat is the critcal angle?

Answer 3

The angle at which the REFRACTED angle will reach 90*, therefore the light does not leave the MEDIUM

Note: the critcal angle refers the angle of incidence, creating a RESULT of 90* from the angle or REFRACTION

(ALWAYS MEASURED RELATIVE TO THE NORMAL)

Question 4

What is total internal reflection?

Answer 4

When the incident angle is PAST the critical angle, creating a FULL reflection, where no light is refracted.

No light enters the second medium.

Question 5

When does total internal reflection ONLY occur?

Answer 5

From a slow medium (MORE DENSE, HIGHER INDEX REFRACTION) to a faster medium (Less dense, LOWER index refraction)

(ie: glass -> air)

Question 6

What makes optical fibers special?

Answer 6

Made out of glass that has a lower index of refraction, which achieves total internal reflection allowing data to be transmitted

->

Question 7

What are optical fibers used for?

Answer 7

-Telecommunication
-> not affected by electrical storms
-> More signnals less enrgy
-> cables are smaller and lighter

-Medicine
-> Endoscopes

Question 8

what are retro-reflectors

Answer 8

Devices that return light from where it originally came from in the same direction

used in roads

Question 9

if the angle of incidence is 0, what is the other ray?

Answer 9

FULLY refracted ray. NO REFLECTION