Which term describes the light traveling through the cladding of a fiber optic cable?

The term that describes the light traveling through the cladding of a fiber optic cable is guided light. In fiber optics, light transmission occurs within the core of the fiber, but the cladding plays a crucial role by providing the necessary refractive index difference that keeps the light confined within the core. This phenomenon is known as total internal reflection, where light is guided along the core and is prevented from escaping into the cladding.

The presence of the cladding is essential for maintaining the light's path, allowing it to travel long distances with minimal loss. As it reflects off the core-cladding boundary, the light that remains within the structure is referred to as guided light, effectively enabling the transmission of data through the fiber optic system. This concept is foundational to understanding how fiber optics facilitate high-speed data communication.