Question

For an electromagnetic wave incident from one medium to a second medium, total internal reflection takes place when

(a) Angle of incidence is equal to the Brewster angle with E field perpendicular to the plane of incidence

(b) Angle of incidence is equal to the Brewster angle with E field parallel to the plane of incidence

(c) Angle of incidence is equal to the critical angle with the wave moving from the denser to rarer medium

(d) Angle of incidence is equal to the critical angle with the wave moving from the rarer to denser medium

The question was asked in examination.

This is a very interesting question from Advanced and Tricky Questions topic in division Advanced and Tricky Questions of Electromagnetic Theory

Answer 1

The correct option is (c) Angle of incidence is equal to the critical angle with the wave moving from the denser to rarer medium

For explanation I would say: Total internal reflection takes place when the angle of incidence is greater than the critical angle. Also the wave should move from the denser medium to a rarer medium.