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Edexcel A-Level Physics Total Internal Reflection

Practise Edexcel A-Level Physics total internal reflection through critical-angle comparisons, optical fibres, core-cladding boundaries and ray-path decisions.

Syllabus
Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary/Advanced Level
Course
Physics XPH11/YPH11
Level
AS

Exam points

  • decide whether TIR occurs by comparing incidence angle with the critical angle
  • explain TIR only for light travelling from higher to lower refractive index media
  • apply core-cladding refractive indices to predict light escaping or reflecting in fibres

2.3.47 - Total internal reflection question 1

[Maximum number: 4]

The refractive index of glass varies with the colour of light.
refractive index of glass for red light =1.513
refractive index of glass for violet light =1.532

White light is incident on a boundary between glass and air, as shown.

Figure for Question 2.3.47 - Total internal reflection question 1 — Edexcel A-Level Physics AS

Explain what happens to the red light and the violet light when meeting the boundary. Your answer should include calculations.

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