B What is this tool and how is it used to study light?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a tool used for studying light, specifically a semicircular prism or refraction tank, which facilitates the visualization of refraction and reflection. Participants note that the tool can be made from glass or plastic and is beneficial for examining light behavior at the glass-to-air interface. The semicircular design simplifies the process by allowing light to enter undeflected at the curved edge, focusing on the flat interface for analysis. This setup also makes it easier to explore phenomena like total internal reflection. Overall, the semicircular prism is highlighted as an effective educational tool for light studies.
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Hi!
I'm doing a light research project and to have a refraction and reflection ( I don't know if it's like this in eglish) visual representation I came up with this photo. I don't know the name of this tool and also what is it made of? In my opinion is just a glass but I don't really know. Thanks!
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What nice about the semicircular prism is that you can more easily study light from glass to air (compared to a rectangular prism).
From the semicircular side, aim the light source at the origin of the semicircle (the midpoint of the straight edge).
Since the normal direction at the semicircular interface is radial, the light from the source is undeflected (as is evident from the photo)...
so that one just has to handle the rays at the flat glass-to-air interface (as opposed to two or more sets using a rectangular prism).
One can explore total-internal reflection more easily.
 

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