When is light totally reflected in a diamond?

[zachcumer]

When is light totally internally reflected in a diamond?

I thought it was at the critical angle of 24.5?

 

[rohanprabhu]

But what angle should equal the critical angle for total internal reflection?

 

[Moetasim]

I can confirm that light is totally reflected in a diamond when it reaches the critical angle of 24.5 degrees. This phenomenon is known as total internal reflection, where all the light entering the diamond is reflected back into the diamond due to the high refractive index of the diamond. This occurs when light travels from a medium with a higher refractive index (such as air) to a medium with a lower refractive index (such as diamond) at a steep angle. This is why diamonds appear to sparkle and reflect light so brilliantly.

It is important to note that total internal reflection can only occur if the light is traveling from a more optically dense medium to a less optically dense medium. If the light travels from a less optically dense medium to a more optically dense medium, it will not experience total internal reflection and some light will be transmitted through the diamond.

In summary, light is totally reflected in a diamond at the critical angle of 24.5 degrees, resulting in the phenomenon of total internal reflection. This is a unique property of diamonds that contributes to their beauty and brilliance.