- Diamonds have a very high refractive index (approximately 2.42) compared to most other materials. - When light enters a cut diamond, the facets are typically angled such that much of the light that enters is internally reflected multiple times before exiting the top surface. - If the angle of incidence inside the diamond exceeds the critical angle (which is small due to the high refractive index), total internal reflection occurs. - This process of light being trapped and reflected within the diamond before exiting creates the intense sparkle or brilliance.
A cut diamond shines brilliantly due to
Asked in UPPCS Prelims 2017 · UPPSC Upper Mains 2015 · Topic: Optics (Total Internal Reflection and applications)
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