UPPER LEVEL EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE
Lab #:13 Name: ......................................................... Date:..............
Title: Refraction of Light
Aim: To find the refractive index of glass using a glass block.
Theory:
Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium into another medium with a
different refractive index. The angle of incidence and the angle of refraction are both measured
relative to the normal line, which is a line perpendicular to the surface at the point where the
light hits the interface between the two mediums. The angle of incidence is the angle between the
incident ray of light and the normal line and the angle of refraction is the angle between the
refracted ray of light and the normal line.
Apparatus: glass block, ruler, paper, protractor, optical pins, tacks, a sharp pencil, optical board.
Diagram:
Method:
1. Put the glass block on a sheet of copy paper and trace it out
2. Put pins P1 and P2 to identify an incident ray, making an angle of 10° to the normal.
3. Place the eye as shown and put pins P3 and P4 to line up with the images of P1 and P2 as
seen through the side of the block.
4. Remove the block and complete drawing the lines as shown.
5. Measure the angle r.
6. Repeat for five more angles of incidence.
Results:
i/° r/° sin i sin r
Calculations:
1. Plot a graph of sin i versus sin r.
2. Find the slope of the graph.
sin❑i
Snell’s Law is given by the formula n= ,where n is the refractive index of the
sin ❑r
material. Hence sin❑ i=n sin❑ r
3. Hence deduce the refractive index of the glass.
Discussion:
Using multiple angles of incidence(i) is crucial when determining the refractive index. First, it
improves accuracy, multiple angles help average out any errors or inconsistencies in the data,
leading to a more reliable calculation of the refractive index. Secondly, by using multiple angles
you can confirm that the relationship stated by Snell's Law is correct across the range of angles.
When you plot a graph of sin i versus sin r, the slope of the graph represents the refractive index.
It is important to Trace the outline of the glass block before the experiment is conducted, as it
ensures that the experimental setup remains consistent by ensuring that the glass block is
positioned precisely the same way for each trial. Futhermore, it helps avoid errors when drawing
lines to the pins, which could affect angle measurements. A straight-line graph between sin i and
sin r indicates that Snell's Law is being followed, confirming the theoretical relationship between
the angles of incidence and refraction. Additionally, a straight line suggests that the refractive
index remains constant for the range of angles used in the experiment, reinforcing the reliability
of the results. Understanding the refractive index is also important in real-world applications like
lens design. It tells us how light bends when it passes through a lens, which is key for focusing
light accurately in cameras and eyeglasses. In fiber optics, the refractive index plays a big role in
how signals travel through optical fibers, allowing for better data transfer with minimal loss over
long distances. Overall, a solid grasp of the refractive index leads to improved signal quality and
faster data transmission rates.
1. Why is it important to use multiple angles of incidence (i) when determining the
refractive index?
2. What does the slope of the graph of sin i versus sin r represent?
3. Why do we trace the glass block outline before conducting the experiment?
4. What is the significance of a straight-line graph between sin i and sin r in this
experiment?
5. Why is understanding the refractive index important in real-world applications like lens
design or fiber optics?
Precautions:
1. Use sharp pins for marking points P1, P2, P3, and P4. This will reduce any movement
that can affect angle readings and ensure accurate placement.
2. To stop the glass block from moving during the experiment, make sure it is set up on a
level, sturdy surface.
3. Maintain consistent eye level and distance from the glass block when you position your
eye to examine pins P3 and P4.
Source of error:
1. If the pins P1, P2, P3, and P4 are not aligned accurately, it can introduce errors in the
perceived angles
2. Changes in lighting conditions or ambient temperature can affect the experiment.
3. Mistakes in judgment while placing the pins or reading the measurements can cause
inconsistencies in the data.
Reflection:
During this experiment, I really got to see how light bends as it passes through different
materials. It also helped me connect the dots between theory and practice, especially with Snell's
Law. Understanding the refractive index is important in lots of fields, like designing lenses for
cameras and glasses, as well as in fiber optics for telecoms. This knowledge is very relevant to
many technologies we use today.
Conclusion:
Within the limits of experimental errors, the refractive index of glass using a glass block was
found to be..........................
Skill tested: Analysis & Interpretation
Code Criteria Mark
A Big triangle shown ( greater than half the page on either side) 1
B Formula for slope stated ( y2 – y1)/(x2 – x1) 1
C1 & Δy values read accurately 2
C2
D1 & Δx values read accurately 2
D2
E Substitute correctly 1
F Answer ( No units here) 1
G Relate slope to sin i = n sin r equivalent to y = mx 1
H Hence conclude slope n is refractive index 1
Total 10
