At what angle does total internal reflection occur?

This question is to do with the refraction that occurs when a light ray hits a boundary between two media of different refractive index. We know that the relationship between the angle of incidence and angle of refraction is given by Snell's law. Using this, and the fact that total internal refraction occurs at an angle of 90 degrees to the normal of the boundary, we can calculate an angle of incidence that leads to total internal refraction for any material.

AS
Answered by Alex S. Physics tutor

5078 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the resistance (in Ohms) of two 20 Ohm resisters in parallel?


Calculate the distance travelled by the ball traveling at 3m/s for 60 seconds


What is the structure of atoms


Imagine a probe in space. Argon gas can be fired from the probes fuel tanks to propel the probe. Discuss whether conservation of momentum applies and whether the speed of the probe increases.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning