Fundamentals of Physics Extended (10th Edition)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1-11823-072-8
ISBN 13: 978-1-11823-072-5

Chapter 33 - Electromagnetic Waves - Problems - Page 1005: 60d

Answer

If $\theta_B$ is decreased, then none of the light refracts into material 3.

Work Step by Step

If $\theta_B$ is decreased, then the refracted angle in material 2 decreases. Note that the incident angle at the interface between material 2 and material 3 is $90^{\circ}-\theta_2$ where $\theta_2$ is the refracted angle in material 2. If the refracted angle in material 2 decreases, then the incident angle at the interface between materials 2 and 3 is increased which would make the incident angle greater than the critical angle. In this case, none of the light refracts into material 3. If $\theta_B$ is decreased, then none of the light refracts into material 3.
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