Final answer:
The critical angle for the interface between water and fused quartz is approximately 62.46 degrees, calculated using the refractive indices of water (1.33) and fused quartz (1.46) with the formula for critical angle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks for the critical angle for the interface between water and fused quartz. The refractive index of water (nwater) is given as 1.33, and the refractive index of fused quartz (nquartz) is given as 1.46. The critical angle (θc) can be found using Snell's Law, taking into account that at the critical angle, the refracted angle is 90 degrees, and thus the sine of the refracted angle is 1. The formula for calculating the critical angle is:
θc = sin-1(n2 / n1)
Where n1 is the refractive index of fused quartz and n2 is the refractive index of water. Plugging in the values:
θc = sin-1(1.33 / 1.46) ≈ 62.46°
So, the critical angle at which total internal reflection occurs when light goes from fused quartz to water is approximately 62.46 degrees.