Q 9.18 (e) Answer the following question:
The refractive index of diamond is much greater than that of ordinary glass. Is this fact of some use to a diamond cutter?
We use diamond as a cutter because it is very hard and sharp. The refractive index is high in diamond ensures that light goes through multiple total internal reflections so that light goes in all direction. This is the reason behind the shining of the diamond. Light entering is totally reflected from faces before it getting out, hence producing a sparkling effect