PHYS 51.
1 Elements of Physics Laboratory
Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Physics, University of the Philippines Los Baños
1st Semester AY 2023-2024
EXERCISE 10
Reflection and Refraction
Introduction
Light, or visible light, is defined as an electromagnetic radiation with different
wavelengths visible to the human eye. We can think of light waves as rays to better
understand how light travels. A ray is an imaginary line that follows the light's path of
travel. When a light ray strikes a surface or an interface or if it passes through different
media, it changes direction. In this exercise, we will be using rays to visualize the direction
or path of light that undergoes phenomena such as reflection and refraction. Reflection
and refraction of light follow certain laws. We will verify in this exercise the laws of
reflection and refraction.
Reflection
Reflection is the bouncing back of light in the same medium after it hits a surface
of a material such as glass or mirror.
Law of Reflection:
It states that a light ray will reflect at the same angle as it hits a surface or the angle
of reflection 𝜃𝑟 is equal to the angle of incidence 𝜃𝑖. That is,
𝜃𝑟 = 𝜃𝑖
where 𝜃𝑖 and 𝜃𝑟 are measured from the line normal or perpendicular to the surface
where the incident light hits as shown in Figure 10.1.
Figure 10.1. Reflection of light on a plane mirror.
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Refraction
Refraction is the changing of the direction or bending of a light ray as it passes
from one medium to another medium.
Snell’s Law of Refraction:
The redirection of light rays when it travels from one medium to another is described
using Snell’s law of refraction. That is,
𝑛1𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃1 = 𝑛2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃2
where 𝜃1 is the angle of incidence and 𝜃2 is the angle of refraction. These angles are
measured from the line normal or perpendicular to the interface of the two media as
shown in Figure 10.2. 𝑛1 is the index of refraction of the first medium while 𝑛2 is the
index of refraction of the second medium.
Figure 10.2. Refraction of light traveling through the two media with different indices of
refraction, 𝑛1 and 𝑛2.
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Exercise 10. Reflection and Refraction
10.1 Objectives
At the end of this exercise, the student should be able to:
1. demonstrate reflection and refraction of light,
2. measure the angle of incidence and angle of reflection and verify the law of reflection,
3. measure the angle of incidence and angle of refraction and verify Snell’s Law, and
4. compute the index of refraction of a glass.
10.2 Materials
• plane mirror • bond paper
• protractor • glass trapezoid
• pen/pencil • light ray box
• ruler
10.3 Procedure
Part A. Reflection of Light
1. Hold a plane mirror upright on a piece of bond paper. Trace the outline of the mirror on
the paper. Remove the mirror.
2. Using a protractor and a ruler, draw a normal line from the surface of the mirror traced
earlier.
3. Using a protractor and a ruler, draw a line that is angled 30° from the normal line. This
will serve as the line guide for the incident ray later. Using this, the incident angle 𝜃𝑖
will be 30°.
4. Let a single ray from the ray box strike the mirror along the direction of the line drawn
in Step 3.
5. Trace the incident ray and the reflected ray. Also draw arrowheads representing the
direction of the rays.
6. Measure the angle of reflection with respect to the normal to the surface.
7. Record the angle of incidence and the measured angle of reflection in Table 10.1.
8. Repeat steps 1-7 for two more trials.
9. Do steps 1-8 for 𝜃𝑖 = 45°, 60°, and 75°.
Part B. Refraction of Light
1. Place a glass trapezoid on a piece of paper. Trace the outline of the glass on the paper.
2. Let a single ray from the ray box strike the glass at a slanting angle. You should
observe refraction of light as shown in Figure 10.3. The ray must enter and exit the
parallel sides of the glass trapezoid.
3. Using a ruler, trace the incident ray and the exit ray. Draw arrows to indicate the
direction of the rays.
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4. Mark the points where the incident ray hit the glass (point A) and mark the point where
the ray exited the glass (point B). Remove the glass. Connect points A and B with a
line. This will be the refracted ray. Draw an arrow along the ray to indicate its direction.
5. Using a protractor, measure the angles 𝜃1 and 𝜃2. Record your results in Table 10.2.
6. Repeat Steps 1-5 for other values of 𝜃1.
7. With air’s index of refraction 𝑛1 = 1, compute for values of sin (𝜃1), sin (𝜃2), and 𝑛1sin
(𝜃1). Write your results in Table 10.2.
Figure 10.3. Refraction of light from air to glass.
Part C. Total Internal Reflection
1. Place a glass trapezoid on a piece of paper.
2. Let a single ray from the ray box hit the trapezoid near its tip. You will see that part of
the ray is refracted and another part of the ray is reflected inside the trapezoid.
3. Vary the entrance angle of the incident ray by moving the glass or the ray box until no
light is refracted out (the ray is totally reflected inside). Trace the light rays at this
instance. Also trace the outline of the glass at this position.
Figure 10.4. Reflection and refraction of light in a glass trapezoid.
4. Using a protractor, measure the angle between the incident ray and the reflected ray.
This angle is equal to 2𝜃𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑡. Record the values of the 𝜃𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑡 in Table 10.3.
5. Repeat Steps 1-4 for two more trials.
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PHYS 51.1 Elements of Physics Laboratory Exercise 10. Reflection and Refraction
Exercise 10. Reflection and Refraction
Name: Quintin Karl O. Cueto Date Performed: May 22, 2024
Section: 7L Group No.: 1 Date Submitted: May 28, 2024
Members: 4. Zuriel Micor
1. Ziara Panghulan
2. Eunice Pantaleon 5.
3. Aaliyah Bacsal 6.
DATA SHEET
PART A. Reflection of Light
Table 10.1. Measured angles of incidence and reflection for a light ray reflecting on a plane
mirror.
𝜃𝑟 (°) Percent
𝜃𝑖 (°)
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Average Difference
30 30 29 30 29.67 1.1%
45 45 45 45 45 0
60 59 60 60 59.67 0.5%
75 75 76 75 75.33 0.4%
PART B. Refraction of Light
Table 10.2. Measured angles of incidence and refraction for a light ray passing from air to
glass.
Angle of Angle of
sin (𝜃1) sin (𝜃2) 𝑛1sin (𝜃1)
Incidence, 𝜃1 (°) Refraction, 𝜃2 (°)
30 18 0.50 0.31 0.50
45 28 0.71 0.47 0.71
60 34 0.87 0.56 0.87
75 40 0.97 0.64 0.97
PART C. Total Internal Reflection of Light
Table 10.3. Measured critical angles for total internal reflection in a glass.
Trial 𝜃𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑡 (°)
1 48
2 50
3 48
Best Value 48.67±0.67
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PHYS 51.1 Elements of Physics Laboratory Exercise 10. Reflection and Refraction
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
Part A. Reflection of Light
1. Get the average angle of reflection 𝜃𝑟 for three trials for each angle of incidence 𝜃𝑖.
Compute for the percent difference of the average 𝜃𝑟 and 𝜃𝑖. Write your results in Table
10.1. Show a sample computation of the average and percent difference below.
The average angle of reflection 𝜃𝑟 for three trials for each angle of incidence 𝜃𝑖 were
computed as well as their percent differences which are shown as in Table 10.1.
For a sample calculation 𝜃! = 30°, the calculation for the average is shown below:
𝜃"#$%&' ) + 𝜃"#$%&' * + 𝜃"#$%&' +
𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 =
3
30° + 29° + 30°
=
3
𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 = 29.67°
The percent difference is computed as follows:
???"
𝜃! − 𝜃
% 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 = = ???" = 𝑥100%
𝜃! + 𝜃
2
30° − 29.67°
= A A 𝑥100%
30° + 29.67°
2
% 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 1.1%
2. Compare each angle of incidence 𝜃i to the corresponding average angle of reflection 𝜃r. Based
on the calculated percent differences, is the law of reflection verified? Explain.
The average angles of reflection were consistent in being relatively close to the values of
each angle of incidence as evident in Table 10.1, with the percent differences being relatively
low (<5%) as well. With the law of reflection stating that the angle of incidence is equal to the
angle of reflection, the calculated percent differences have verified the law of reflection.
Following the experimental set-up, the normal line acts as a symmetrical line between the
incident and reflected rays, Since the incident ray, normal line, and reflected ray all lie at the
same plane, the angle between the incoming ray and the line normal to the surface of the
point of incidence is equal to the angle between the reflecting ray and the line normal to the
surface of the point of incidence. Even though the angle of incidence is changed every set-
up, it will result to an equal angle of reflection.
3. What will happen to the angle of reflection when the angle of incidence is increased?
The law of reflection states that the angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence hence,
increasing the angle of incidence will increase the angle of reflection. This was also
observed in the set-up as in Table 10.1, when the angle of incidence was increased to
45º, the corresponding average angle of reflection is 45º. When the angle of incidence
was then increased to 60º, the corresponding average angle of reflection is 59.67º. Slight
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PHYS 51.1 Elements of Physics Laboratory Exercise 10. Reflection and Refraction
changes in the results of the angle of residence may be accounted as a possible source
of error especially in the light source, where its beam divergence is not perfectly parallel
resulting to scattered light rays making it difficult to determine the exact angle.
4. If the plane mirror was changed to a material with a rough surface, what do you think would
be the relationship of the angle of incidence with the angle of reflection?
Smooth surfaces such as mirrors and polished metals cause regular and spectacular
reflection. However, as the plan mirror changes into a rough surface, the nature of reflection
shifts from spectacular reflection to diffuse reflection. In diffuse reflection, surface or
microscopic irregularities can be observed in rough surfaces that can affect the incoming
incident rays to reflect at various angles. When this happens, the incident ray strikes a surface
that has a different orientation causing reflected rays to scatter in many directions. The law
of reflection is still valid in this scenario; however, the relationship between the angle of
incidence and angle of reflection cannot be predicted. Since the reflection is diffused,
reflected rays are in multiple angles rather than a single, predictable angle. At every incident
ray that strikes the surface facet, the angle of incidence is locally equal to the angle of
reflection at each facet. The law of reflection holds true for all reflecting surfaces regardless
of if the surface is smooth or rough.
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PHYS 51.1 Elements of Physics Laboratory Exercise 10. Reflection and Refraction
Part B. Refraction of Light
5. Plot the graph of 𝑛1sin (𝜃1) vs sin (𝜃2). Perform regression analysis and determine the
equation of the best-fit line. From this, determine the index of refraction of the glass, 𝑛2.
The graph of 𝑛1sin (𝜃1) vs sin (𝜃2) is shown as in Figure 10.1 with the equation of the best-
fit line and correlation of coefficient.
1.2
y = 1.4468x + 0.0464
1
R² = 0.9962
0.8
𝑛1sin (𝜃1)
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0.3 0.35 0.4 0.45 0.5 0.55 0.6 0.65 0.7
sin (𝜃2)
Figure 10.1. 𝑛1sin (𝜃1) vs sin (𝜃2) for refraction of light
Upon performing regression analysis on the graph of 𝑛1sin (𝜃1) vs sin (𝜃2), the slope m is
1.4468 which represents the experimental value of n2 or the index of refraction of the glass.
The physical quantity represented by the slope can be explained below:
The equation of the best-fit line:
𝑦 = 1.4468𝑥 + 0.0464
can also be written as 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏. According to Snell’s law of refraction, the redirection of
light rays when it travels from one medium to another is described as:
𝑛# 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃# = 𝑛$ 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃$
The y-values represent the 𝑛# 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃# , while the 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃$ is represented by x-values as shown in
Figure 10.1; hence, the slope m=1.4468 is represented by 𝑛$ , the index of refraction of the
glass. Thus, 𝑛$ = 1.4468.
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PHYS 51.1 Elements of Physics Laboratory Exercise 10. Reflection and Refraction
6. Compare the value with the standard index of refraction for glass (𝑛 = 1.5). Are your results
accurate? Explain and calculate the percent error. Show the computation of the percent error
below.
To determine whether the experimental value of 𝑛$ verifies Snell’s law using the standard
index of refraction for glass (n=1.5), the percent error between these two values is computed
which is shown below:
𝑥%& − 𝑥'&
% 𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = G G 𝑥100%
𝑥%&
1.5 − 1.4468
= G G 𝑥100%
1.5
% 𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 3.55%
With a low percent error of 3.55%, it can be inferred the results obtained in this set-up were
accurate; thus, the experimental value of n2 is close to that of the theoretical value. However,
since the percent error is near 5%, there are still several sources of error that may be taken
into account during the experiment. First, the glass medium may not be properly aligned such
that it is perfectly perpendicular to the normal line. Misalignment of the glass medium may
also result to the misalignment of the protractor following the glass thus introducing significant
deviations from the angle of refraction. Second, the light source may not be properly aligned
with the normal at the point of incidence resulting to incorrect angle measurements. Since
the experiment was also performed under dark conditions (closed lights) to make the laser
beam more visible, the reading of the protractor for the angle of refraction was difficult to read
which might have resulted to human errors like misreading the angle. However, the accuracy
of the results should not solely rely on the percent error calculated.
7. What will happen to the angle of refraction if you increase the angle of incidence?
The relationship between the angle of refraction and angle of incidence may vary depending
on the mediums used, but generally, as the angle of refraction increases, the angle of
incidence also increases. As denoted by the Snell’s law of refraction:
𝑛# 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃# = 𝑛$ 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃$
These angles are measured from the line normal to the interface of the two media; thus, the
angle between the incident ray and the line normal to the interface of the two media is equal
to the angle between the refracted ray and the line normal to the interface of the two media.
One of the factors that also influence the redirection of light rays is the index of refraction of
the first (n1) and second (n2) medium, and it is also important to be considered in the law of
refraction to understand the equation above. First, if n1 > n2 , light is travelling from a more
dense medium to a less dense medium (glass to air). As the angle of incidence (𝜃# ) increases,
the angle of refraction (𝜃$ ) increases more rapidly. Second, if n1 < n2, light is travelling from a
less dense medium to a denser medium (air to glass). As the angle of incidence (𝜃# )
increases, the angle of refraction (𝜃$ ) increases but at a slower rate. This causes the
refracted ray to bend towards the normal since the speed of light travels slowly as it enters
the denser medium. This is evident in the results as in Table 10.2. Since air (n1 = 1) is less
dense than glass (n2=2.12), as the angle of incidence increases from 30º to 45º, the angle of
refraction also increases from 18º to 28º which is relatively slower in rate as compared to the
angle of incidence.
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PHYS 51.1 Elements of Physics Laboratory Exercise 10. Reflection and Refraction
8. Consider a scenario where a light ray passed through a medium with a higher index of
refraction to a medium with a lower index of refraction. Describe or draw what will happen to
the angle of refraction. Give an example where this phenomenon can be observed.
As explained in the previous question, if n1 > n2 , light is travelling from a more dense medium
to a less dense medium (e.g. glass to air). As the angle of incidence (𝜃# ) increases, the angle
of refraction (𝜃$ ) increases more rapidly. This will cause the refracted ray to bend away from
the normal because the speed of light travels more rapidly in the less dense medium (Collins,
2013). One phenomenon that can be observed from this scenario is rainbow formation.
Rainbows form when sunlight is scattered by water droplets, such as raindrops or fog,
through refraction. This process happens as sunlight changes direction upon entering a
denser medium like a raindrop then it refracts and disperses into different colors. The light
reflects off the inside surface of the droplet and refracts again as it exits into the air (less
dense medium), ultimately reaching our eyes. This is why we see a colorful arc after the rain
when the sun shines.
Part C. Total Internal Reflection
1. At the critical angle, there is total internal reflection, and the refracted ray is perpendicular
to the normal. Calculate the expected critical angle for the glass-air interface using Snell’s
Law.
When the refracted ray is perpendicular to the normal, the refracted ray disappears and the
total internal reflection into the glass occurs at the critical angle. At a certain angle of incidence,
the light will refract 90 degrees and travel along the boundary between the two media, which
is called the critical angle. Thus, given n1=1.5 (glass), n2=1 (air), and 𝜃$ = 90°, Snell’s Law
can be used to calculate the theoretical critical angle (𝜃# ):
𝑛# 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃# = 𝑛$ 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃$
𝑛# 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃# = 𝑛$ sin(90)
𝑛# 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃# = 𝑛$
𝑛$
𝜃# = 𝑠𝑖𝑛(# ( )
𝑛#
1
= 𝑠𝑖𝑛(# ( )
1.5
𝜃# = 41.81°
2. What do you think will happen to the reflected and refracted rays if the incident angle is
greater than the critical angle?
When the angle of incidence is increased further such that it is greater than the critical angle,
total internal reflection occurs. The light ray does not pass into the second medium completely
and instead, reflected ray will appear back into the denser medium. The law of reflection will
apply such that the angle of reflection will be equal to the angle of incidence. Meanwhile,
refracted ray will disappear during this scenario since the light ray is entirely reflected within
the denser medium. Concisely, for incident angle greater than the critical angle, there is no
refracted ray but total internal reflection occurs and the law of reflection will follow.
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PHYS 51.1 Elements of Physics Laboratory Exercise 10. Reflection and Refraction
REFERENCES:
Collins, L. (2013). Chapter e22 - Optical Network Security. Computer and Information Security
Handbook 3rd Edition. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-803843-7.00022-3
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PHYS 51.1 Elements of Physics Laboratory Exercise 10. Reflection and Refraction
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