Question
Physics Question on Ray optics and optical instruments
Optical fiber works on the principle of
A
refraction
B
reflection
C
total internal reflection
D
scattering
Answer
total internal reflection
Explanation
Solution
Total internal reflection is a powerful process since it can be used to confine light. One of the most common applications of total internal reflection is in fibre optics. An optical fibre is a thin, transparent fibre, usually made of glass or plastic, for transmitting light. If light is incident on a cable end with an angle of incidence greater than the critical angle then the light will remain trapped inside the glass strand. In this way, light travels very quickly down the length of the cable over a very long distance (tens of kilometers).