refractive index
Objective
The objective of this experiment is to understand reflection and refraction and how they vary with different matters. At the end of this experiment, you will be able to:
Determine index of refraction of various solutions
Recognize the passage of refracted beams though different medium
Understand the concept of Snell’s Law
Understand how the speed of electromagnetic waves in different matters are related
Determine the critical angle for total internal reflection
Materials
550 cm Plexiglas Tank
Beaker stand
Test tube clench
Laser pen
Meter ruler
Angle ruler
1500 ml Water
1500 ml Vegetable oil
1500 ml Vinegar
Tape or chalk
Overview
This lab introduces the basic concepts of refraction and reflection of electromagnetic waves. You will be provided with water, vinegar, and an unknown solution. A laser pen will act as the wave source. By using trigonometric identities and Snell’s Law, you will be able to identify the index of refraction of these solutions. It is important to record each measurement as accurately as possible, for it will greatly affect your accuracy during the calculation for the unknown. The second part of the experiment allows you to identify the critical angle for total internal reflection in which only reflection on the interface will be observed.
In completion of the lab, each group will calculate the index of refraction of water and vinegar respectively. With these results, you will be able to find a range of values in which the unknown index of refraction resides.
Although safety goggles are not required for this experiment, the laser source is still a potential hazard that can cause serious injury. Always use with caution and NEVER look directly into the laser. Laser can be reflected or refracted when shone on the Plexiglas. The reflected or refracted beam may be as intense as the incident laser. Always be alert and never stare at the same spot for extended period of time.
General Procedure
Figure 1.
The objective of this experiment is to understand reflection and refraction and how they vary with different matters. At the end of this experiment, you will be able to:
Determine index of refraction of various solutions
Recognize the passage of refracted beams though different medium
Understand the concept of Snell’s Law
Understand how the speed of electromagnetic waves in different matters are related
Determine the critical angle for total internal reflection
Materials
550 cm Plexiglas Tank
Beaker stand
Test tube clench
Laser pen
Meter ruler
Angle ruler
1500 ml Water
1500 ml Vegetable oil
1500 ml Vinegar
Tape or chalk
Overview
This lab introduces the basic concepts of refraction and reflection of electromagnetic waves. You will be provided with water, vinegar, and an unknown solution. A laser pen will act as the wave source. By using trigonometric identities and Snell’s Law, you will be able to identify the index of refraction of these solutions. It is important to record each measurement as accurately as possible, for it will greatly affect your accuracy during the calculation for the unknown. The second part of the experiment allows you to identify the critical angle for total internal reflection in which only reflection on the interface will be observed.
In completion of the lab, each group will calculate the index of refraction of water and vinegar respectively. With these results, you will be able to find a range of values in which the unknown index of refraction resides.
Although safety goggles are not required for this experiment, the laser source is still a potential hazard that can cause serious injury. Always use with caution and NEVER look directly into the laser. Laser can be reflected or refracted when shone on the Plexiglas. The reflected or refracted beam may be as intense as the incident laser. Always be alert and never stare at the same spot for extended period of time.
General Procedure
Figure 1.