What is the maximum angle theta such that the light rays will be totally internally reflected assuming that the pipe has an index of refraction of n equals 1.3?

Answer 1

The maximum angle (\theta) for total internal reflection can be found using Snell's Law, specifically when light travels from a medium with a higher refractive index to one with a lower refractive index. The critical angle (\theta_c) can be calculated using the formula (\sin(\theta_c) = \frac{n_2}{n_1}), where (n_1 = 1.3) (the refractive index of the pipe) and (n_2 = 1) (the refractive index of air). Thus, (\sin(\theta_c) = \frac{1}{1.3}), leading to (\theta_c \approx 43.6^\circ). Therefore, the maximum angle (\theta) for total internal reflection is approximately (43.6^\circ).