Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 28 - Think and Discuss - Page 542-543: 102

Answer

There is no critical angle when light enters water from air. Some light will be refracted at all angles of incidence.

Work Step by Step

Total internal reflection occurs only for light rays that speed up as they cross a boundary. This is illustrated in Figure 28.37. The light must bend away from the normal for total internal reflection, which means it must speed up. Light in air that enters water will slow down, and there is no total reflection.
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