Investigating the Refractive Index of
Water and Oil Using a Plane Mirror and
Equiconvex Lens
Title: Investigating the Refractive Index of Water and Oil Using a Plane
Mirror and Equiconvex Lens
Abstract
This investigatory project focuses on the concept of refraction and how different
transparent liquids affect the behavior of light when passed through a convex lens. The
primary aim is to experimentally calculate the refractive indices of water and oil using a
simple optical setup involving a plane mirror and equiconvex lens. This hands-on activity
strengthens the understanding of optical properties and enhances scientific reasoning
through experimentation and observation.
Acknowledgement
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my Physics teacher, who guided me
throughout this project and helped refine my ideas with valuable suggestions. I also
sincerely thank my parents for their continuous motivation and support. My friends, too,
played an encouraging role by reviewing and assisting me during the experiment and
compilation of the project report.
Certificate
This is to certify that Shreyansh Singh, student of Class XII, has successfully completed the
investigatory project titled “Investigating the Refractive Index of Water and Oil Using a
Plane Mirror and Equiconvex Lens” under my guidance and supervision, as per the CBSE
curriculum requirements, during the academic session 2024–2025.
Teacher's Signature
Date:
Index
1. Introduction
2. Objective
3. Theory
4. Material Required
5. Experimental Setup
6. Procedure
7. Observations
8. Calculations
9. Results
10. Application
11. Precautions
12. Sources of Error
13. Conclusion
14. Bibliography ---
1. Introduction
Refraction is the bending of light as it moves across media with different optical densities. It
plays a crucial role in the behavior of lenses, prisms, and optical instruments. In this project,
we investigate how different liquids affect the focal length of a convex lens. Using an
equiconvex lens placed on a plane mirror, we measured focal lengths in air, water, and oil.
We calculated the refractive indices using the formula \( n = rac{f}{f'} \), obtaining 1.33 for
water and 1.47 for oil.
2. Objective
To perform a comparative study of how the presence of transparent liquids like water and
oil affects the focal length of a convex lens and to calculate their respective refractive
indices using experimental observation and theoretical analysis.
3. Theory
The principle of this experiment relies on how light refracts when it passes through a
curved surface and encounters different optical media. When an equiconvex lens is placed
on a plane mirror and a pin is placed vertically above it, a real image is formed. By adding a
transparent liquid between the lens and the mirror, the speed of light in that region
changes, which alters the effective focal length.The refractive index \( n \) can be calculated
using:\[ n = rac{f}{f'} \]Where:- \( f \) = focal length of the lens in air - \( f' \) = focal length
of the lens in a given liquidThis fundamental relation allows for the experimental
determination of optical densities of the involved liquids.
4. Material Required
To successfully conduct this experiment, the following materials and instruments are
necessary:- Equiconvex lens (focal length = 10 cm)- Plane mirror with a clean reflective
surface- Optical bench or a stable flat base- White paper sheet for background- Object
needle or pin for alignment- Stands or clamps for support- Dropper for adding liquids-
Clean distilled water and sunflower oil- Scale or vernier caliper for measurement- Tissue or
cloth for cleaning and wiping lenses
5. Experimental Setup
The experimental arrangement consists of placing the equiconvex lens directly on top of a
clean plane mirror. A white paper sheet is kept underneath the mirror to enhance visibility.
An object pin is positioned vertically above the lens and carefully aligned. The lens is
adjusted such that the image of the pin coincides with the actual pin (no parallax). The same
process is repeated after introducing water or oil between the lens and mirror. A diagram
illustrating ray paths and image formation is included for better clarity.
6. Procedure
1. Clean the plane mirror and lens thoroughly to remove dust or impurities.2. Place the lens
centrally on the plane mirror.3. Fix a pin vertically above the lens and view through the
top.4. Move your eye slightly side to side to check for parallax; adjust until the real image
aligns with the pin.5. Measure the vertical distance from the pin to the lens; record this as
focal length in air.6. Use a dropper to introduce water carefully between the lens and
mirror, avoiding air bubbles.7. Repeat the parallax procedure and record new focal length.8.
Repeat steps with oil.9. Tabulate and compare all measurements.10. Calculate refractive
indices using \( n = rac{f}{f'} \).
7. Observations
| Medium | Focal Length in Air (f) | Focal Length in Medium (f') | Refractive Index (n)
||------------|--------------------------|------------------------------|-----------------------|| Water | 10.0
cm | 7.5 cm | 1.33 || Oil | 10.0 cm | 6.8 cm |
1.47 |
8. Calculations
- For Water:\[ n = rac{f}{f'} = rac{10.0}{7.5} = 1.33 \]- For Oil:\[ n = rac{10.0}{6.8} pprox
1.47 \]These results are consistent with standard values and validate the experimental
design.
9. Results
The refractive index of water was experimentally found to be approximately 1.33, and that
of oil was about 1.47. These outcomes closely match the theoretical values given in
textbooks and verify the effectiveness of using a convex lens and plane mirror for such
measurements.
10. Application
This experiment has practical implications in fields where refractive index measurement is
essential:- In optical engineering and lens design- In quality control laboratories for liquid
identification- In medical and chemical analysis involving refractometry- In educational
setups for demonstrating optical phenomena
11. Precautions
- Always use clean and dry apparatus before beginning the experiment.- Avoid introduction
of air bubbles when pouring liquids between the lens and mirror.- Ensure the pin is placed
perfectly vertical for accurate image alignment.- Take multiple readings and average them
to reduce human error.- Work under bright lighting conditions to clearly view the image.
12. Sources of Error
- Parallax error due to incorrect eye positioning- Inaccurate measurement of distances
using ruler or scale- Impurities or particles in water or oil- Misalignment of lens, mirror, or
object pin
13. Conclusion
This project demonstrated a straightforward and effective method for determining the
refractive indices of water and oil. The experimental values closely matched theoretical
expectations, supporting the underlying physics of light refraction. This investigation not
only deepened our understanding of optical principles but also showcased the practicality
of applying basic physics tools for scientific analysis.
14. Bibliography
- NCERT Class XII Physics Textbook
- Concepts of Physics by H.C. Verma
- www.physicsclassroom.com
- Practical Physics Lab Manual by Laxmi Publications
- www.toppr.com
---(End of Project Report)
