Physics Demo Number: 088

Approximate Run Time: 5 Min

Refractive Index Evidenced By Apparent Bending of a Straight Meter Stick

Demo Description

Show the visual affects (apparent bending) of an object going from an environment with one index of refraction (air n=1) to another environment with a higher index of refraction (water n=1.33).

Scientific Principles

  • Refraction

  • Index of Refraction

 

Equipment

  • Large water tank

  • Meter stick

 

Equipment Location

  • Large water tank is in Kit (088) on [C-1-5].

  • Meter stick in Corner beside door into SC4327.

Instructions

The large water tank from can be used with a meter stick as shown.

One must have the students up close or use a video camera hook-up to show the same camera view as in the photo.
 
Writeup created by David A. Burba



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