The refractive index of diamond is 2.42. What is the critical angle of diamond when light enters from it into air?

The refractive index of diamond is given as n₁ = 2.42. The refractive index of air is approximately n₂ = 1.00.

The critical angle (θ_c) is the angle of incidence in the denser medium (diamond) for which the angle of refraction in the rarer medium (air) is 90°.

Using Snell's Law:

n₁ sin(θ_c) = n₂ sin(90°)

sin(θ_c) = n₂n₁

θ_c = sin^-1(12.42)

θ_c ≈ 24.41°

Therefore, the critical angle for diamond is approximately 24.4°.

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