Diamond appears shiny
Diamond appears shiny primarily due to its high refractive index and strong dispersion of light. When light enters a diamond, it undergoes multiple internal reflections at different angles, enhancing its brilliance and sparkle. This phenomenon is known as diamond’s “fire” and “brilliance,” making it appear shiny and lustrous.
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Diamonds have a high refractive index, which means that light bends significantly as it enters the diamond from the air. This high refractive index, combined with the diamond’s specific crystal structure, leads to a phenomenon called “total internal reflection.” Therefore correct answer is [C] Due to collective internal reflection
When light enters the diamond, it reflects off the internal surfaces of the diamond’s facets. This internal reflection occurs multiple times within the diamond, causing the light to be trapped and dispersed within the gem. This collective internal reflection is what gives diamonds their characteristic sparkle and brilliance.
Comparison to Other Optical Phenomena
[A] Reflection: Reflection occurs at the surface of the diamond, but it is not the primary reason for the diamond’s shiny appearance.
[B] Refraction: Refraction does occur as light enters the diamond, but it is not the sole reason for the diamond’s shiny appearance.
[D] Scattering: Scattering of light can contribute to the diamond’s appearance, but it is not the primary mechanism responsible for the diamond’s shiny and brilliant look.
In summary, the shiny appearance of diamonds is primarily due to the collective internal reflection of light within the diamond’s crystal structure, which is a result of the gem’s high refractive index.