Determining Refractive Indices of Water and Oil
This project aims to determine the refractive indices of (a) water and (b) transparent oil using a
plane mirror, an equiconvex lens of known refractive index, and an adjustable object needle.
Introduction
Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another. The refractive index (n)
of a material is a measure of how much it reduces the speed of light compared to vacuum. This
experiment determines the refractive indices of water and oil using a setup involving a lens, a mirror,
and an adjustable needle.
Apparatus
- Equiconvex lens
- Plane mirror
- Adjustable object needle
- Water
- Transparent oil
- Measuring tools
Theory
The refractive index (n) of a medium can be calculated using the formula:
n = Real Depth / Apparent Depth.
By positioning the needle to eliminate parallax, we can determine the apparent depth for both water
and oil.
Procedure
1. Place the lens on the plane mirror and position the container with water or oil over the lens.
2. Adjust the needle until its reflection aligns with the real needle without parallax.
3. Measure the distance between the needle and the lens surface.
4. Repeat the steps for both water and oil.
Calculations
Using the measured values, calculate the refractive index of each liquid:
Refractive Index (n) = Real Depth / Apparent Depth.
Provide sample calculations and record the measurements in a table.
Observations and Results
Summarize the findings in a table showing the measured values for both water and oil, as well as
their calculated refractive indices.
Conclusion
This experiment successfully determined the refractive indices of water and oil, showcasing the
concept of refraction through various media.
Precautions
- Ensure accurate positioning of the needle to avoid parallax errors.
- Perform multiple measurements to improve accuracy.
- Use clean, transparent liquids to minimize impurities.
