Index of Refraction Homework: Investigating Snell's Law

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the practical application of Snell's Law of Refraction, specifically in measuring the index of refraction for water using a half-circle setup. The experiment involved measuring an incident angle of 30 degrees from the normal line and aligning pins to observe refraction. A key point raised is the absence of refraction on the curved side, attributed to the nature of normal lines at the curve, which follow the radius of the arc. This indicates that rays exiting the curved side do not experience a change in angle, as they align with the normal.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Snell's Law: n1sin(θ1) = n2sin(θ2)
  • Basic knowledge of geometric optics and light behavior
  • Familiarity with experimental procedures in physics
  • Ability to interpret angles and normal lines in optics
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the derivation and applications of Snell's Law in different mediums
  • Investigate the concept of normal lines and their significance in optics
  • Learn about the effects of curvature on light refraction
  • Conduct experiments on refraction using various liquids and geometries
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching optics, and anyone interested in experimental methods for investigating light behavior and refraction principles.

uchicago2012
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Homework Statement


In a lab we did, we verified Snell's Law of Refraction by measuring the index of refraction for water. We filled a plastic half-circle with water and drew a line normal to the flat side. We measured an angle 30 degrees from the normal line (called the incident ray). We then looked at a pin on this incident ray through the water and aligned pins with it on the curved side. I attached our procedure in case none of that makes sense. But I was wondering why we didn't do refraction on the curved side?


Homework Equations


Snell's Law: n1sin(θ1) = n2sin(θ2)

3. The attempt at the solution
I thought it might be because any line we draw to the curved side would be a normal line and thus there would be no refraction?
 

Attachments

Physics news on Phys.org
Any ray that originates in at the center of the flat side that passes through the water and exits the curved side is following a radius of the arc. What does that tell you about the angle of incidence of the ray with the curved side (from the water side)?
 

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