Question:medium

Which of the following statements are correct?
(A) Total internal reflection occurs when a ray of light travels from a rarer transparent medium to a denser medium.
(B) In total internal reflection, the incident ray of light remains in the same medium after reflection.
(C) In total internal reflection, the angle of incidence inside the denser transparent medium is equal to the angle of reflection in the same medium.
(D) In total internal reflection inside a denser medium there is no angle of refraction
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Show Hint

Remember the two key conditions for TIR: 1) Denser to rarer medium. 2) Angle of incidence must be greater than the critical angle. Once TIR occurs, it's a reflection event, so all the standard laws of reflection apply.
Updated On: Mar 27, 2026
  • (B) and (C) only
  • (A) and (B) only
  • (B), (C) and (D) only
  • (C) and (D) only
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation


Step 1: Concept Assessment:
This question evaluates understanding of the conditions and phenomena of Total Internal Reflection (TIR). Each statement requires verification of its accuracy.

Step 2: Detailed Analysis:
(A) Total internal reflection occurs when a ray of light travels from a rarer transparent medium to a denser medium.
This statement is incorrect. TIR necessitates light traveling from a denser medium to a rarer medium. Therefore, this statement is false.
(B) In total internal reflection, the incident ray of light remains in the same medium after reflection.
The term "reflection" inherently signifies the ray returning to its original medium. As TIR involves complete reflection, the ray indeed stays within the initial (denser) medium. This statement is true.
(C) In total internal reflection, the angle of incidence inside the denser transparent medium is equal to the angle of reflection in the same medium.
Total internal reflection adheres to the fundamental laws of reflection. The first law of reflection states that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection (\(i=r\)). Consequently, this statement is true.
(D) In total internal reflection inside a denser medium there is no angle of refraction.
TIR occurs when the angle of incidence surpasses the critical angle. Under these conditions, no light transmits into the rarer medium, thus no refracted ray exists, and consequently, no angle of refraction can be measured. This statement is true.

Step 3: Conclusion:
Statements (B), (C), and (D) are accurate, while statement (A) is inaccurate. The correct selection must comprise statements (B), (C), and (D).

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