Calculating refractive index using lens

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the refractive index (R.I.) of liquids using a converging lens and mirror, specifically comparing water and mercury. It is established that the refractive index of water is less than that of glass, while mercury has a higher refractive index. The participants conclude that using mercury in the standard method may not yield a real image due to ray divergence. The conversation also highlights the existence of various methods for measuring refractive indices of liquids, regardless of whether their R.I. is higher or lower than that of glass.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of refractive index concepts
  • Familiarity with converging lenses and mirrors
  • Knowledge of optical physics principles
  • Basic experience with experimental methods in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the standard method for measuring refractive index using lenses
  • Explore alternative methods for measuring refractive index of liquids
  • Investigate the optical properties of transparent liquids with R.I. greater than glass
  • Learn about ray divergence and its effects on image formation in optics
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, optical engineers, and anyone involved in experimental optics or fluid dynamics will benefit from this discussion.

m~ray
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we can calculate the refractive index of liquids like water using a converging lens and mirror by the standard method . r.index of water is less than that of lens(glass) . now taking mercury, whose r.index is > glass, can we do the same experiment and find its r.index ?
i believe the answer is no.. coz there the rays get diverged and hence no real image is formed. but i don't think it will always diverge ?? any in sight ?
 
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Refractive index of mercury? It seems to be too opaque to have well defined refractive index (at least if you take r.i. in its classical meaning).
 
oh ya.. mercury is a bad example.. let's say any other transparent liquid having r index > that of glass.
 
So now I have no idea what do you mean by "standard method".
There are lots of methods to measure R.I. which may be used for liquids of both higher and lower R.I. than the one of glass.
 

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