Fill these semicircular cells with different liquids to observe their refractive properties. To help measure the angles, there is a printer "protractor" on the base of the cup that is marked with degrees along the curved edge.
Locate the object and its image and use Snell's Law to determine the index of refraction.
Great for showing total internal reflection!
NSW Physics Syllabus Reference
Module 3: Light and Thermodynamics
Ray Model of Light
- Conduct investigations to examine qualitatively and quantitatively the refraction and total internal reflection of light (ACSPH075, ACSPH076)
- Predict quantitatively, using Snell’s Law, the refraction and total internal reflection of light in a variety of situations
- Solve problems or make quantitative predictions in a variety of situations by applying the following relationships to:
- 𝑛𝑥 = 𝑐 𝑣𝑥 – for the refractive index of medium 𝑥, 𝑣𝑥 is the speed of light in the medium
- 𝑛1 sin 𝜃1 = 𝑛2 sin 𝜃2 (Snell’s Law)
- sin 𝜃c = 𝑛2 𝑛1