Index of Refraction of Liquid: Find Value

In summary, the conversation discusses the placement of a plane mirror horizontally at the bottom of a transparent liquid with a depth of 10cm. When looking at the image of a small object floating at the surface of the liquid above the object, the image is seen at 14cm below the surface of the liquid. The task is to find the value of the index of refraction of the liquid. The person asking for help is directed to post the question in the homework section and to show some effort and understanding of the principles of light passing through water.
  • #1
Voong
3
0
A plane mirror is placed horizoually at the bottom of a transparent liquid of 10cm depth. When one looks at the image of a small object floating at the surface of the liquid right above the object, the image is seen at 14cm below the surface of the liquid. Find the value of the index of refraction of the liquid.
 
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  • #2
Please help me with some hint..
 
  • #3
Try putting this in the homework section. They should be able to help you properly there!
 
  • #4
Why no one help me here?
 
  • #5
Voong said:
Why no one help me here?

This looks like a homework question, and per the rules of the Physics Forums all homework questions should be posted in the appropriate forum. That way the homework helpers don't have to wander around the whole forum to help you!
 
  • #6
In addition, you are to show some effort yourself. What do you know about light passing through water that would help here? In particular, why would the image not be 20 cm below the surface, where it would be if there were no water?
 

1. What is the index of refraction of a liquid?

The index of refraction of a liquid is a measure of how much the speed of light decreases when it passes through the liquid. It is a dimensionless quantity and is specific to each type of liquid.

2. How is the index of refraction of a liquid determined?

The index of refraction of a liquid can be determined by measuring the angle of incidence and angle of refraction of a light ray passing through the liquid and using Snell's law (n1sinθ1 = n2sinθ2) to calculate the index of refraction.

3. What factors can affect the index of refraction of a liquid?

The index of refraction of a liquid can be affected by factors such as temperature, pressure, and the concentration of solutes in the liquid.

4. How does the index of refraction of a liquid relate to its optical density?

The index of refraction and optical density are directly related. A higher index of refraction means a higher optical density, which means the liquid will bend light more and appear more opaque.

5. Why is the index of refraction of a liquid important?

The index of refraction of a liquid is important because it can provide information about the properties of the liquid, such as its purity, concentration, and chemical composition. It also plays a crucial role in various scientific and technological applications, such as in optics, spectroscopy, and material characterization.

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