Find the relationship between the angle of incidence and angle of refraction for light passing from air to Perspex.

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Gunjan Jain – 11D

Science

MYP Physics Practical – Refraction

Aim:

To find the relationship between the angle of incidence and angle of refraction for light passing from air to Perspex.

Apparatus:

Raybox, 12V supply, Perspex block, 30cm ruler, protractor

Data Collection:

Data Processing:


Conclusion:

Looking at the graph on the previous page we can see a best-fit line drawn on the graph by the computer. In order to move forward and find out whether there is a relationship between sin (i) and sin (r) it is necessary to find the gradient. Below I have found the gradient:

Gradient = rise/run

Gradient = 0.5878 – 0.2074/0.3907 – 0.1392

Gradient = 1.51

        This gradient I have found which is 1.5, suggests that as the sin (r) increases the sin (i) also increases in the ratio of approximately 1.5. The data table in the data processing section tells us that most of the ratio is around 1.5 as written under the column of refractive index.

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        Refraction can be seen in many public areas around ourselves. Like for example a swimming pool looks less deep than it really is and a stick appears to bend when you one end under the water. These effects are caused due to the bending of light rays when light passes from one medium/material into another. Materials such as glass and water are said to be optically more dense compared to air.

In refraction the light ray entering the Perspex (incident ray) hits the Perspex block at a specific angle and enters another medium. Before hitting the Perspex block the ...

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