Chapter 29, Problem 1A

What becomes of a wave’s energy when the wave is totally reflected at a boundary? When it is partially reflected at a boundary?

To determine

The effect on wave’s energy when the wave is reflected totally or partially at a boundary.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

In total internal reflection, light undergoes reflection again and again till all the light gets absorbed.

When the light waves are incident on the boundary then the wave is reflected due to which the wave’s energy is reflected in the medium from which it came. On the other hand, when the light wave is partially reflected at a boundary, then the wave’s energy is partly absorbed or comes into the second medium and partly reflected back to the medium.

Conclusion:

When the wave is undergone the total reflection then the wave’s energy is bounced while the wave is undergone partially reflection then the wave’s energy is partially reflected and partially absorbed.