Exam-style question
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Explain the principle of total internal reflection in optical fibres.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- Total internal reflection occurs when a wave traveling through a medium hits the boundary with a less dense medium at an angle greater than the critical angle, causing the wave to reflect entirely back into the denser medium.
- This principle allows optical fibres to transmit light over long distances with minimal loss.
Explanation
Why this works
This answer demonstrates a clear understanding of total internal reflection, which is crucial for explaining how optical fibres work. It tests the student's ability to articulate the conditions necessary for total internal reflection and its application in fibre optics.
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