A point source S is placed at the bottom of a transparent block of height 10mm and refractive index 2.72. It is immersed in a lower refractive index liquid as shown in the figure. It is found that the light emerging from the block to the liquid forms a circular bright spot of diameter 11.54 mm on the top of the block. The refractive index of the liquid is
(A)1.21
(B)1.30
(C)1.36✓ Correct
(D)1.42
Answer: (C)
Solution
The circular bright spot indicates total internal reflection at the critical angle. The radius of the spot is r=11.54/2=5.77 mm, and the height is h=10 mm.
From geometry: tanθ=105.77, so sinθ=5.772+1005.77=(11.54)2+40011.54.
At the critical angle, using Snell's law: nblocksinθc=nliquidsin90∘.