A fiber optic cable uses total internal reflection to transmit light. What is the primary requirement for this to work effectively?

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Q: A fiber optic cable uses total internal reflection to transmit light. What is the primary requirement for this to work effectively?

Solution: For total internal reflection to occur in a fiber optic cable, the core must have a higher refractive index than the cladding.

Steps: 7

Step 1: Understand what a fiber optic cable is. It is a thin strand of glass or plastic that transmits light.
Step 2: Learn about light and how it behaves when it travels through different materials.
Step 3: Know that light can bend when it enters a new material, which is called refraction.
Step 4: Realize that total internal reflection happens when light hits the boundary of two materials at a certain angle.
Step 5: Identify the two parts of a fiber optic cable: the core (where the light travels) and the cladding (the outer layer).
Step 6: Understand that for total internal reflection to happen, the core must have a higher refractive index than the cladding.
Step 7: Conclude that this difference in refractive index keeps the light bouncing inside the core, allowing it to travel long distances.