General Science • PhysicsMedium
Which of the following optical phenomena is solely responsible for the brilliant sparkling appearance exhibited by a cut diamond?
A. Total internal reflection of light rays✓ Correct Answer
B. Refraction of light through parallel faces
C. Interference of white light in thin films
D. Dispersive diffraction at microscopic edges
💡 Solution & Explanation
Total internal reflection occurs when light traveling from an optically denser medium to a rarer medium strikes the boundary at an angle greater than the critical angle, which is exceptionally small for diamond due to its high refractive index of approximately 2.42. Refraction alone accounts for bending but cannot trap light inside multiple facets. Thin film interference produces soap bubble colors rather than gemstone brilliance. Dispersion separates white light into constituent colors but total internal reflection traps and directs these rays toward the viewer eye. The critical angle for a diamond-air interface is approximately 24.4 degrees.
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