6A44.41 Total Internal Reflection in Cylinder

Shine laser beam from the brighter red laser on edge of notch on one end of cylinder. Internal reflection will cause the beam to spiral around the cylinder.

  img_0095tircyl.jpg

Setup Requirements: Minimal  Dark room needed.

 

Equations: Total internal reflection occurs when Snell's Law gives sin(A) > 1.

 

Safety Issues: Extra bright laser. Do not point at students.