Analysis

During the first part of the experiment 404, we determined the index of refraction of the

glass given to us individually. We individually performed this part of the experiment, thus we

produced different results and data compared to our groupmates. We placed the glass above the

X-axis, and we placed one of the three pins on the origin, the second pin on the quadrant BA that

is touching the edge of the glass and third pin is placed on quadrant AB, that is shown to be

aligned with the previous pins that we placed, forming the angle of refraction. We used the

formula n1 sin∅1 = n2 sin∅2 given by Snell’s Law, and I computed an index of refraction of

1.49, which is close to the actual value of 1.52. The computed value is lower because the angle

of refraction is always higher than the value of the angle of incidence, which is according to the

theory that a liigh ray travelling into a medium of greater index of refraction to a medium of

lesser refractive index. For part A from glass to air, we observed that angle of incidence is less

than the angle of refraction, which can also be seen in the graph that we’ve made.

For the last part of experiment 404, we were asked to determine the critical angle of the

glass. We first placed the glass on a piece of paper then we used the diode laser project a ray of

light to the bottom side of the glass to produce a ray of light at the top side of the glass. We have

MU
computed using the given formula ∅c = tan−1( EU ) and showed that the critical angle of the

glass is 40.38°. So, when the angle of incidence increases the angle of refraction will also

increase until it reaches 90°, then the angle of incidence is now the critical angle of incidence.
Conclusion

 This experiment focuses on the calculation of the index of refraction of the glass by using

Snell’s Law

 Refraction is a phenomenon which states that a light travelling different transparent

medium with different density will have some light passing through with a different

speed and will have some light to be reflected as well.

 We can observe in part A and B, that the light bended slightly as we investigate the

different setups of the experiment.

 When a medium has a greater refractive index, then we can observe the light travels

slower through the medium, than the speed of light that will be travelling in objects that

are less dense.

 As we continue to increase the angle of incidence it will approach the critical angle of

incidence that will produce an angle of refraction that is 90°.

 Therefore, there will be only internal reflection that would occur in the medium, also it

will not produce a refracted ray.

 Also, if the angle of incidence is higher than the critical angle then, the light ray would be

reflected completely.

To minimize the percentage error of the experiment, I recommend that always make sure

you look carefully into the glass to successfully align the pins so that you can get the value closer

to the accepted values that is set by your professor. I also recommend that the diode laser

produce a much brighter or vivid color so that we will have no trouble locating the emerging ray

that is produced by the glass.