critical angle en · NOUN
Meanings
- The angle of incidence beyond which light traveling through a medium experiences total internal reflection upon encountering a boundary with a less refractive medium.
- The angle of attack beyond which an airfoil stalls, experiencing a decrease in lift and increase in drag due to separation of airflow from the upper surface of the airfoil.
- The angle beyond which a ramp or a set of stairs is considered uncomfortable or unsafe.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| critical angles | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Relateds
Snell's law · total internal reflection
Synonyms
Translations (4)
ar زَاوِيَة حَرِجَة (smallest angle of incidence) · bg граничен ъгъл (smallest angle of incidence) · pl kąt graniczny (smallest angle of incidence) · tl maselang siha (smallest angle of incidence)