i mean,if sin i/sin r = infinity,then sin r =0 i.e r=0...so when does this happen??
2007-03-23 06:06:49 · 5 answers · asked by early_blossom 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
The refractive index can also be defined in terms of the speed of light in the material, v, and the speed of light in vacuum, c.
n = c/v
For n to tend to infinity would imply v to tend to zero. In effect the light in the material would come to a halt.
2007-03-23 06:12:51 · answer #1 · answered by dudara 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Although it does not approach infinity, isn't this the principle that the whole technology of fiber optics is based upon?
I believe that as the refractive index increases the escape angle approaches a value where the light can not escape the medium, even if it is perpendicular to the surface.
If the light in a fiber reflected back and forth across the shortest diameter of the fiber, then wouldn't it's linear velocity down the fiber be zero?
2007-03-23 13:27:00 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Light does two things when encountering a refractive medium: some passes into it and bends according to the formula you cite, and some reflects away. The fraction that is reflected away increases with refractive index. A medium of infinite refractive index would be a perfect reflector. Light would NOT come to a halt, as proposed by one of the other answerers; it would simply bounce off.
2007-03-23 15:09:28 · answer #3 · answered by Astronomer1980 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The refractive index of a material = speed of light in a vacuum / speed of light in that material.
For this to happen the speed of light in the material would have to be 0 m/s. This doesn't ever happen.
2007-03-23 13:20:43 · answer #4 · answered by Cliff 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it doesn't happen. if it did you could make a sheet of glass out of the stuff, and light striking it would travel along the surface!
2007-03-23 13:14:57 · answer #5 · answered by hustolemyname 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋