Final answer:
The small size of the core limits the transmission of light to a single path in fiber cables, due to total internal reflection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The small size of the core in fiber cables limits the transmission of light to a single path through the fiber. This is due to the principle of total internal reflection, where light rays are reflected back into the core when they reach the boundary with the cladding, which has a lower index of refraction than the core. The cladding prevents light from being transmitted between fibers in a bundle, ensuring that the light is propagated along the length of the fiber and minimizing signal loss.