A fiber optic cable uses total internal reflection. What is the role of the cladding in this context?

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Q: A fiber optic cable uses total internal reflection. What is the role of the cladding in this context?

Solution: The cladding has a lower refractive index than the core, ensuring that light remains within the core by total internal reflection.

Steps: 8

Step 1: Understand that a fiber optic cable has two main parts: the core and the cladding.
Step 2: The core is the central part where light travels.
Step 3: The cladding surrounds the core and has a different material.
Step 4: The cladding has a lower refractive index than the core, which means it bends light less.
Step 5: When light travels from the core to the cladding, it hits the boundary at a certain angle.
Step 6: If the angle is steep enough, the light reflects back into the core instead of passing into the cladding.
Step 7: This reflection is called total internal reflection, and it keeps the light inside the core.
Step 8: The role of the cladding is to ensure that light stays in the core by having a lower refractive index.