Trigonometry (10th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321671775
ISBN 13: 978-0-32167-177-6

Chapter 6 - Review Exercises - Page 286: 65

Answer

If $\theta_1$ is greater than the critical angle, then the light does not emerge into the air. Instead, the light is reflected back into the water.

Work Step by Step

$\frac{c_1}{c_2} = \frac{sin~\theta_1}{sin~\theta_2}$ $sin~\theta_2 = \frac{c_2}{c_1}~sin~\theta_1$ If $\theta_2 = 90^{\circ}$, then $sin~\theta_2 = 1$ $\frac{c_2}{c_1}~sin~\theta_1 = 1$, when $\theta_1$ is the critical angle. If $\theta_1$ is greater than the critical angle, then $\frac{c_2}{c_1}~sin~\theta_1 \gt 1$ This would mean that $sin~\theta_2 \gt 1$, which is not possible. If $\theta_1$ is greater than the critical angle, then the light does not emerge into the air. Instead, the light is reflected back into the water.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.