Title: Law of Refraction

Aim:
- To test the validity of the law of refraction
- To measure the refractive index (RI) of acrylic
Materials:
- Optics Bench
- Ray Table and Base
- Slit Plate
- Cylindrical Lens
- Light Source
- Component Holder
- Slit Mask

Diagram:
FIGURE IS SHOWING EQUIPMENT SETUP AND RAY TABLE
 DRAWING IS SHOWING EQUIPMENT SETUP AND RAY TABLE

Method:

1. The apparatus was fitted together in the manner depicted in the illustration above.

2. The components were adjusted so that a single light ray passed through the middle\ of the ray table
degree scale.

3. The flat surface of the cylindrical lens was aligned with the "component" line.

4. Without affecting the lens alignment, the ray table was turned and the refracted rays for various angles
of incidence were observed.

5. The numerous angles of incidence were adjusted, and the angle of refraction for each was measured.

6. The measurement was replicated with the incident ray contacting the normal from the other side.
Observations:

Angle of Incidence Refraction 1 Refraction 2

0° 0 0

10° 6 7

20° 13 13.5

30° 19 20

40° 25 25

50° 30 31

60° 35 35

70° 38 39

80° 40 42

90° 90 89
Treatment of Results:
Sin(I) Sin(R1) Sin(R2) RI 1 RI 2

0 0 0 0 0

0.1737 0.1045 0.1219 1.6622 1.4249

0.3420 0.2249 0.2335 1.5207 1.4647

0.5 0.3256 0.3420 1.5356 1.4619

0.6428 0.4226 0.4226 1.5211 1.5211

0.7660 0.5 0.5150 1.532 1.4874

0.8660 0.5736 0.5736 1.5098 1.5098

0.9397 0.6157 0.6293 1.5262 1.4933

0.9848 0.6428 0.6691 1.5321 1.4718

1 1 0.9999 1 1.0001
 Calculations:
Gradient of R1 = X1=0.1045 Gradient of R2 = X1=0.2335
Y1=0.1737 Y1=0.3420
X2=0.3256 X2=0.3420
Y2=0.5 Y 2=0.5
m=(Y2-Y1)/X2-X1) m=(Y2-Y1)/X2-X1)
= (0.5-0.1737)/(0.3256-0.1045) = (0.5-0.3420)/(0.3420-0.2335)
= 0.3263/0.2211 = 0.158/0.1085
= 1.4758 = 1.4562

Average Gradient = 1.4758 + 1.4562

= 2.932 ÷ 2
= RI = 1.466
Refractive Index of Acrylic = 1.466
Refractive Index of Acrylic (Theoretical Value) = 1.48899

Calculations for Refractive Index 1 and Refractive Index 2 :

Sin(i)/Sin(r) = RI 1 = 0.6428/0.4226 = 1.5211

= RI 2 = 0.6428/0.4226 = 1.5211

Discussion:
Refraction is the apparent bending of light (waves) when it moves from one media to the
next. For example, light waves look bent towards the normal as they flow from solid to
liquid. Light rays will bend closer to the normal as they go from a less dense medium to a
denser one. The "Angle of Incidence" is the angle formed by the normal and light rays. The
"Angle of Refraction" is the angle formed by the normal and refracted light rays.

According to the law of refraction, the incident ray, refracted ray, and normal all reside in the same plane.
The ratio of the sign of the angle of incidence to the angle of refraction of a certain medium has a constant
value. The formula is given by (n i)(sinθi)=(n r)(sinθr).  This is referred to as Snell's Law. This experiment
validates Snell's Law because when the ratio Sin(i)/Sin(r) is applied to each refractive index value, all of
the values remain constant. Any little discrepancies in such figures are assigned to be sources of error.
 This experiment has proven the law of refraction to be valid since the experimental and
theoretical RI values are close. Theoretical value = 1.48899. Experimental value = 1.466. The
difference between the two = 0.02299.
Refraction can be used in a variety of ways. Several of these applications are found in optical and
technological fields. Refraction is used by lenses to create a picture of an object, such as magnification.
Spectacles aid persons with impaired eyesight by using the principle of refraction. Refraction is used by
cameras, projectors, and telescopes.

Sources of Error:
- Inaccuracies while tracing the light and measuring the angles.
- Impurities obstructing the acrylic and lenses causing the light to travel at
different speeds through those materials.

Conclusion:
The law of refraction was proven to be valid and the refractive index of acrylic is 1.466.

References:
- Refraction of light. (n.d). Science Learning.
https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/49-refraction-of-light
- The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. (1998, July 20). Snell’s Law |
Definition, Formula, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/science/Snells-law

The refractive index is equal to sin (i)