COMEDK20269 May 2026Evening ShiftPhysicsRay OpticsActual
The critical angle for a typical glass air interface is 42^ . If a ray of light falls normally on one of the faces of the prism of angle 45^ . The emergent ray will:
Options
- AWill pass parallel to the second surface
- BUndergo total internal reflection from the second face
- CWill undergo refraction with a refracting angle 45^
- DGo undeviated
Correct answer
B. Undergo total internal reflection from the second face
Step-by-step solution
Given critical angle C = 42^ . Angle of prism A = 45^ . Since the ray falls normally on the first face, the angle of incidence i₁ = 0^ . Thus, the angle of refraction at the first face r₁ = 0^ . Using the relation for a prism, r₁ + r₂ = A . Substituting the values, 0^ + r₂ = 45^ r₂ = 45^ . The angle of incidence at the second face is 45^ . Since r₂ > C ( 45^ > 42^ ), the ray will undergo total internal reflection at the second face. Answer: Undergo total internal reflection from the second face