Script

Title: Optical Disk

Introduction

Objectives  Methodology  Analysis  Conclusion

In this experiment, we used geometric methods (the set-up will be described in the methodology part)
to study the propagation of light as it encounters a surface separating two media.

A. Through Maxwell’s equations, it was revealed that light travels with a speed of c = 3x108m/s. When
in medium, it travels slower, the ratio given by:

n = c/v

where n=index of refraction, c is the speed of light, and v is the medium

Reflection and refraction of light is illustrated by the following

Figure 1.1. Reflection and refraction at an interface of two media with indices of refraction n1and n2

where

Ө1=angle of incidence

Ө’1=angle of reflection

Ө2=angle of refraction

B. Law of Reflection

Ө1= Ө’1

This law is exhibited by plane and spherical mirrors.

C. Law of Refraction (Snell’s Law)

1 1
𝑠𝑖𝑛Ө1 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛Ө2
𝑣1 𝑣2
or

n1 𝑠𝑖𝑛Ө1 = n2 𝑠𝑖𝑛Ө2
 Where n1 and n2 are the indices of refraction on the first and second medium
D. Total internal Reflection
Happens when the angle of incidence greater than the critical angle, results to no refracted ray
(incident ray is completely reflected).
𝑛2
Ө𝑐 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1
𝑛1
The objectives for this experiment are the following:

 Investigate reflection and refraction of light using an optical disk

 Measure the index of refraction of a material using optics set-up
 Trace the path of light as it emerges from optical materials of different geometry