Related Formula
θc = (μ₁)/(μ₂)$$\sin\theta_c = \frac{\mu_1}{\mu_2}$$ [cite: 810]
μ₁ θ = μ₂ r$$\mu_1 \sin\theta = \mu_2 \sin r$$ [cite: 807]
Core Logic
From the boundary geometry at the top interface, the angle of refraction r$r$ at the first surface satisfies: [cite: 806]
r + θc = 90° r = 90° - θc$$r + \theta_c = 90^{\circ} \implies r = 90^{\circ} - \theta_c$$ [cite: 806]
Applying Snell's law at the first entry interface: [cite: 170, 807]
μ₁ θ = μ₂ r = μ₂ (90° - θc) = μ₂ θc$$\mu_1 \sin\theta = \mu_2 \sin r = \mu_2 \sin(90^{\circ} - \theta_c) = \mu_2 \cos\theta_c$$ [cite: 172, 173, 807, 809]
Since θc = (μ₁)/(μ₂) = (1.0)/(1.25) = (4)/(5)$\sin\theta_c = \frac{\mu_1}{\mu_2} = \frac{1.0}{1.25} = \frac{4}{5}$, we have θc = √(1 - ((4)/(5))²) = (3)/(5)$\cos\theta_c = \sqrt{1 - \left(\frac{4}{5}\right)^2} = \frac{3}{5}$[cite: 169, 810, 811]. Substituting back into the expression: [cite: 811]
1.0 · θ = 1.25 × (3)/(5) = (5)/(4) × (3)/(5) = (3)/(4)$$1.0 \cdot \sin\theta = 1.25 \times \frac{3}{5} = \frac{5}{4} \times \frac{3}{5} = \frac{3}{4}$$ [cite: 169, 811]
θ = ⁻¹((3)/(4))$$\theta = \sin^{-1}\left(\frac{3}{4}\right)$$ [cite: 811]
Pattern Recognition
Maximum angle at the entry face ensures minimum angle of incidence at the subsequent wall[cite: 806, 807]. Setting that exact internal angle equal to the critical threshold condition values solves for the operational scanning range edge directly[cite: 808].
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Physics: Ray Optics and Optical Instruments