Total internal reflection is a phenomenon that occurs when light traveling within a denser medium (such as glass or plastic) strikes a boundary with a less dense medium (such as air). If the angle of incidence is greater than the critical angle, all of the light is reflected back into the denser medium rather than being refracted out.
In fiber optic communication, a fiber optic cable consists of a core made of a highly transparent material surrounded by a cladding with a lower refractive index. When a light signal (which contains the message) is injected into the core of the fiber optic cable at an angle greater than the critical angle, it undergoes total internal reflection and is continuously bounced off the walls of the cable, rather than escaping through the cladding.
This bouncing of light inside the fiber optic cable allows for efficient transmission of the message because the light signal is contained within the core, preventing signal loss or degradation. The light travels over long distances through the cable without significant loss of intensity or quality. At the receiving end, the light signal is detected and converted back into an electrical signal, allowing the message to be transmitted effectively.
In summary, total internal reflection in fiber optic cables enables the transmission of messages by confining the light signal within the core, maintaining its integrity and allowing it to travel long distances with minimal loss or degradation.
In your own words, how does total internal reflection make fiber optic messages possible?
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