Exam-style question
Try this first
Light travels from water (n = 1.33) to air (n = 1.00). What is the critical angle for this transition?.
- A.48.6°
- B.53.1°
- C.41.8°
- D.60.0°
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- 48.6°
Explanation
Why this works
Using the formula for critical angle: critical angle = sin⁻¹(1/n). Here, n = 1.33 for water.
Thus, sin⁻¹(1/1.33) = 48.6°. This angle indicates the limit for total internal reflection when light exits water.
Common mistake
No common mistake is linked to this question yet.