CALA 3

Learning Area: PHYSICS O level

Name : Simbarashe M Majoka Class: 3(3)

Harare High School Date: 20 November 2023

TOPIC: Reflection SUB-TOPIC: Fibre optics

CALA title: Application of total internal reflection in fibre optics.

CALA context/ Background

All modern telecommunications use some form of electromagnetic radiation. Infrared and visible (laser) are used to pulse
digital signals for TV broadcasts. Fibre optic cables supply cable TV programmes.

Part A: Knowledge and understanding. [5 marks]

Define the following terms:
Total internal reflection. Critical angle. Refraction. Telecommunications. Optic fibre.

Part B: Experimental and investigation skills. [9 marks]

Describe briefly how fibre optic cables transmit TV signals.

Part C: Handling information, analysis, evaluation and problem solving. [6 marks]

Discuss the advantages of using fibre optic cables instead of the old copper wires in transmitting electrical signals.

Submit your CALA for assessment. Due date: 27 November 2023.

How you will be assessed

Your facilitator will assess and award marks on

 Well researched information.

 Clear explanations.

CALA Tips

 Carry out a research on fibre optic transmission on the internet and literature.
 Include diagrams where necessary.
CALA questions
1. What are the advantages of using fibre optic cables instead of copper cables for TV broadcasts?
2. Explain the optical properties that make optical fibres so good for transmitting signals.
Part A
1) Total internal reflection is the phenomenon in which waves arrive at the interface from one medium to another are
not refracted into the second medium but completely reflected back into the first medium .
2) Critical angle refraction is the angle at which light is refracted at the interface between two materials and the
refracted ray is parallel to the interface
3) Telecommunication is the transmission of information over a distance using electronic means for example
telephones and satellites .
Part B : Experimental and investigation skills
How fibre optics cables transmit data
Fibre optic cables transmit data using a process called total internal reflection. Light is sent down to the cables at an
angle greater than the critical angle causing it to be reflected back into the cable , it bounces off the walls of the
fiber , which act as mirrors. At the end of the cable ,the light is converted back into an electrical signal and sent to
the TV . This process allows the cable to carry a large amount of data , including high – definition TV signals .
Fiber optic cables are more reliable and can carry more data than traditional copper cables .

Part C Handling information , analysis and problem solving

The advantages of using fiber optics over copper wires in transmitting electric signals
Fiber optics have a higher bandwidth than copper meaning that they can carry more data at fast speeds than
copper .Fiber optics have lower latency or delay than copper making them ideal for surfing the internet .Fiber optics
are more secure than copper , it is harder to tap into fiber optics than copper wires .Fiber optics are more resistant to
electromagnetic interference making them less susceptible to data loss and disruption , they are less likely to be
affected by weather and because they don’t use electricity .Fiber optics and easy to use in areas with risk of fire .
They are environmental friendly than copper and they use less energy to cooperate. Fiber optics have a large life
span than copper. They can be recycled unlike copper. The manufacture of fiber optics requires less energy and
resources than copper