Question

Sparkling of diamond is due to
a) Refraction of light
b) Reflection of light
c) Total internal reflection
d) All

Answer 1

In the above question we are asked why the diamond actually sparkles. First we will see what is the reason for which the diamond actually sparkles. Further we will accordingly determine which of the above mentioned phenomena makes the diamond sparkle.

Complete step by step answer:
To begin with let us first understand how a diamond actually sparkles. The refractive index of the material of the diamond is such that when light enters the diamond it suffers multiple reflections. As the refractive index of the material is very high, its critical angle is very small, about 24.4 degrees. The faces of the diamond are so cut that the light entering the crystal suffers total internal reflection repeatedly and hence gets collected inside but it comes out only through a few faces. Hence the diamond sparkles when seen in the direction of emerging light.
From this data we can conclude that the diamond basically sparkles due to total internal reflection.

So, the correct answer is “Option c”.

Note: There is no doubt that the phenomenon of reflection and refraction are involved in the above scenario. But specifically, the brilliancy of the diamond is basically due to total internal reflection. The total internal reflection has a wide range of applications. This phenomenon is used in optical fibers. As whenever there is reflection involved there is minimal energy loss, these are used to make data cables such that the data is transferred to multiple devices faster and efficiently.