when light is reflected from a reflective surface like a mirror or chrome plate some of the light gets diffused and scatted. In a prism or optic fiber the difference in beam angle and the refractive index difference between the glass containing the beam of light causes the beam to bounce off ( reflect back in to the prism or fiber ). This has no beam diffusion and none scattered, so is called total internal reflection.
sylvanrogue16
2006-10-09 17:06:59 UTC
Lucy in the sky with Diamonds
Paul S
2006-10-11 01:48:34 UTC
binoculars, telescopes amongst other things
ray t
2006-10-12 11:31:05 UTC
its when the shite is flying out of ya
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