Q18 of 29 Page 109

What is the reason behind the shining of diamonds and how do you appreciate it? (AS6)

Total internal reflection is the main reason

For brilliance of diamonds. The critical angle of a diamond is very low (24.4o). So if a light ray enters a diamond it is very likely to undergo total internal reflection which makes the diamond shine.


The figure below illustrates the total internal reflection in diamond.



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