Ob-3 Refraction Light Using Different Refractive Indices

Aim

To demonstrate that the refraction of light is dependent on the refractive index of the media.

Apparatus

• Pasco Basic Light Source
• Pasco Basic Optics Ray Table
• Rotatable Optical Holder
• Prism Container
• Water
• Methylated Spirits
• Turpentine

Refractive Indices Setup.

Description

The apparatus is set-up as above. The light source is set-up so that the light beam is direction along the 0˚-180˚ line on the Optics Ray Table. The prism is filled with liquids of different refractive indices e.g. water, methylated spirits, turpentine, etc. The angle of the emerging ray is dependent of the refractive index of the liquid. Water has a deflection of 15˚, while methylated spirits and turpentine have deflections of 20˚ and 30˚ respectively.

Video

To be posted.

Safety Notes

Refraction of Light Using Different Refractive Indices SOP-39