Certified Fiber Optics Practice Exam

When light moves from one medium to another, some of the light energy is:

1. Absorbed

2. Transmitted

3. Reflected

4. Scattered

The correct answer is: Reflected

When light travels between different media, such as from air into glass, it tends to interact with the boundaries of those media in various ways. One of the critical behaviors observed is reflection, which occurs when a portion of the light cannot enter the second medium due to differences in refractive indexes. In the context of fiber optics, reflection is essential for guiding light through the fiber. It occurs at the core-cladding interface, where light may hit the boundary at certain angles, causing some to bounce back rather than continue into the cladding. This principle, known as total internal reflection, is what enables the optical fibers to transmit light efficiently over long distances with minimal loss. Understanding this concept is crucial for anyone studying fiber optics, as it highlights not only the behavior of light but also the fundamental principles that allow for high-performance data transmission in optical systems. Therefore, recognizing that light reflection plays a pivotal role in fiber optics helps in grasping the overall functionality and design of fiber optic cables.