Question

The brilliance of diamonds is due to the internal reflection of light the light is slowed down and bent away from its original path because it strikes:

• A. tightly-bound nucleus
• B. the nucleus (centre) of carbon atoms
• C. loosely-held mobile electrons
• D. layers of carbon atoms

Answer 1

The correct option is A tightly-bound nucleus

Diamond is a solid form of an element carbon with its atoms arranged in a crystal structure. The sparkling or the brilliance of the diamonds is due to the total internal reflection of light that takes place in the diamond.

Light when it enters the diamond, it is slowed down and is bent away from its original path on striking a tightly bound nucleus on the surface resulting in Total Internal reflection.