Which Liquid Requires More Volume to Conceal a Coin: Oil or Water?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the optical properties of oil and water in relation to concealing a coin under a beaker. It concludes that oil requires a greater volume than water to achieve total reflection and make the coin appear invisible. This is due to the differences in refractive indices between oil and water, with oil having a lower refractive index, causing light to bend more significantly. Therefore, when submerged, a coin in oil will require more liquid to obscure it compared to water.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of refractive index and its implications in optics
  • Basic knowledge of total internal reflection
  • Familiarity with the properties of liquids, specifically oil and water
  • Concept of light behavior at the interface of different media
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  • Research the refractive indices of various liquids, including oil and water
  • Explore the principles of total internal reflection in optics
  • Study the effects of light refraction in different mediums
  • Investigate practical applications of optical properties in real-world scenarios
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Students and professionals in physics, optical engineering, and anyone interested in the principles of light behavior in different liquids.

jakey
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Question on total reflection...if you were to conceal a coin, by putting it under a beaker whose lid is covered with foil, and you slowly add a liquid until the coin seemingly disappears, which would require a greater volume? oil or water?
 
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Do you mean a coin in dip of a pool? If it is, answer is oil for the same color of light. When light cross to air(minor indice) will far a way from normal. Thus come closer to distinctive surface. Much flux of indice, much far a way from normal.
 

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