Chapter 20, Problem 20.24P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The total reflection is occurs and the minimum refractive index of the prism for total reflection has to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Snell’s law:

${\text{n}}_{\text{1}}\text{sin}{\text{θ}}_{\text{1}}\text{=}{\text{n}}_{\text{2}}\text{sin}{\text{θ}}_{\text{2}}$

${\text{n}}_{\text{1}}\text{and}{\text{n}}_{\text{2}}$ are the refractive indexes of the two media

${\text{θ}}_{\text{1}}\text{and}{\text{θ}}_{\text{2}}$

The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection by the light is reflected.