Q76 / 91 · KVPY 2018 (SB/SX) · Physics

Consider a glass cube slab of dielectric bound by the planes x=0, x=a ; y=0, y=b ; z=0, z=c ; with
b>a>c. The slab is placed in air and has a refractive index of n. The minimum value for n, such that all rays entering the dielectric at y=0 reach y=b is

  • A
    1
  • Correct answer
    B
    2
  • C
    3
  • D
    2

Solution

Planes bounding the dielectric are as shown below.
Figure
Figure
Due to dielectric, a light ray incident at y=0, at some angle θ bends towards normal and it strikes plane x=a.

If angle of incidence at x=a, is more than angle of critical incidence, TIR occurs and light ray, then emerges out of plane y=b.

Figure
For TIR at

x=a sin90°-r=1n or cosr=1n....i

Also, n=sinθsinr
Now θ at y=0, varies from 0° to a maximum of 90°

So, for limiting incidence,

n=sin90°sinr⇒n=1sinr....ii

From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get

sinr=cosr⇒r=45°

Substituting r=45° in Eq. (i) or Eq. (ii),

we get nmin=1cos45°=2

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'B'.

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