One side of an equilateral prism is painted by a transparent material of refractive index n2. The refractive index of prism is 1.6. The minimum value of n2 required for total internal reflection from painted face is . [figure]
- 3 31.6
- 3
- 3.2 3
- 4 35
Answer
(4) 4 35
Solution
[figure]
The ray falls normally on the first face, so it goes undeviated (i = 0).
In an equilateral prism it then meets the painted face at i = 60° (angle between the two faces).
TIR at the prism–paint interface needs i C, where C = n21.6
⇒ 60° n21.6
⇒ n2 1.6 32 = 4 35 (≈ 1.39)
∴ The limiting (critical) value of n2 for TIR is 4 35.
Answer: (4)