Resources | Subject Notes | Physics
Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one transparent medium to another. This bending occurs because the speed of light changes when it enters a different medium. The amount of bending depends on the difference in the refractive indices of the two media and the angle at which the light strikes the surface.
This experiment aims to demonstrate the refraction of light by transparent blocks of different shapes and to observe how the angle of incidence affects the angle of refraction.
Shape of Block | Position of Light Beam | Angle of Incidence (degrees) | Angle of Refraction (degrees) |
---|---|---|---|
Rectangular | Near one end | ||
Rectangular | Middle of one face | ||
Rectangular | Near the other end | ||
Curved | At the widest part | ||
Prism-shaped | On one of the flat faces |
By comparing the angles of incidence and refraction for different shapes and positions of the light beam, you can observe how the shape of the transparent block affects the refraction of light. You should notice that the angle of refraction changes depending on the angle of incidence and the shape of the block. A curved block will cause more complex refraction patterns than a rectangular block.
Summarize your findings and state how the experiment demonstrates the refraction of light. Discuss any sources of error and suggest improvements to the experimental design.