Question

how does total internal reflection make fiber
optic messages possible
short answer

Answer 1

Total internal reflection allows fiber optic cables to transmit light signals over long distances by ensuring that light entering the fiber at a specific angle reflects off the core-cladding boundary without escaping. This phenomenon occurs when the light travels from a denser medium (the core) to a less dense medium (the cladding) at an angle greater than the critical angle. As a result, the light remains trapped within the core, enabling efficient data transmission with minimal loss and high speed.