How would I figure out the answer to this question?
A critical angle of 24.4 degrees applies to:
a) light travelling from air into diamond
b) light travelling from diamond into air
c) light travelling from water into diamond
d) light travelling from diamond into water
sin 24.4=.413
1/sin 24.4= 2.42
Does that index of refraction mean anything?
Go through Snell's law.
To figure out the answer to this question, you need to understand the concept of critical angle and the conditions in which it applies. The critical angle is the angle of incidence at which light traveling from a more optically dense medium to a less optically dense medium is refracted along the boundary between the two media.
In this question, the critical angle is given as 24.4 degrees. Now, let's consider each option:
a) Light traveling from air into diamond: When light goes from a less optically dense medium (air) to a more optically dense medium (diamond), it bends toward the normal, which is the line perpendicular to the surface of the medium. In this case, a critical angle of 24.4 degrees would not be applicable because a critical angle is specific to light traveling from more optically dense to less optically dense medium.
b) Light traveling from diamond into air: This option describes the scenario where light travels from a more optically dense medium (diamond) to a less optically dense medium (air). In this case, a critical angle can indeed occur. By comparing the critical angle given (24.4 degrees) with the angle of incidence, you can determine if total internal reflection will occur or if the light will refract through the boundary.
c) Light traveling from water into diamond: Similar to option a), this describes the scenario where light travels from a less optically dense medium (water) to a more optically dense medium (diamond). Hence, a critical angle would not apply in this situation.
d) Light traveling from diamond into water: This option is similar to option b), but the flow of light is reversed. Again, the light is traveling from a more optically dense medium (diamond) to a less optically dense medium (water). Therefore, the critical angle is relevant here.
Based on the explanations provided, option b) "light traveling from diamond into air" is the correct answer for this question.