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: 63d

Answer

Light does not emerge at Q if the incident angle at P is decreased slightly.

Work Step by Step

If the incident angle at P is decreased slightly, then the angle of refraction $\theta_2$ at P also decreases. The incident angle at Q is $90^{\circ}-\theta_2$, and this angle increases if $\theta_2$ decreases. Then the angle of refraction at Q would increase. However, an angle of refraction can not increase to more than $90^{\circ}$ Light does not emerge at Q if the incident angle at P is decreased slightly.
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