TIR · VIRTUAL OPTICS LAB

Total Internal Reflection · interactive simulation

Controls

Adjust to explore TIR.

30.0°
1.500
Green · λ ≈ 530 nm

Live Values

Refraction
μ (effective)
1.5000
Critical C
41.8103°
Incidence i
30.0°
Refraction r
48.59°
Prism
Flat Interface
Colour
Green
RARER MEDIUM (μ = 1.00)DENSER MEDIUM (μ = 1.500)normalC = 41.81°i=30.0°r=48.59°
i = 30.0° · C = 41.81° · μ = 1.500
Case 1 · i < C
Refraction occurs. Light bends away from normal.
Case 2 · i = C
Refracted ray grazes along the interface.
Case 3 · i > C
Total Internal Reflection. 100% reflected.