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

5031 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain the difference between a real and a virtual image.


Write the equations of motion for constant acceleration and describe each term involved. Explain how to apply these equations of motion to calculate the horizontal and vertical components of a projectile moving under the force of gravity only.


Describe the model now used for the structure of an atom. Refer to the constituent particles including their relative masses and charges.


Which renewable energy methods are the best?


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