Question

The critical angle for water is 49°. If a ray of light

strikes the upper surface of a pond at an angle
of incidence of 45°, will it be totally internally
reflected? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

Snell's Law states

Ni sin i = Nr sin r

Judging from the question the source of the ray is in the water (directed up)

or NI = 1 / sin 49 Ni = 1.325 deg the critical angle

From inside the pond:

Nr = 1.325 * sin 45 / 1 = 94 deg

So refraction can occur outside the pond and you do not have total internal refection.