Anomalous refraction experiment (part 2): Testing Experiment

Aim

Testing your model of refraction and total internal reflection

Prior Knowledge

  • Reflection
  • Refraction, refractive index, and total internal reflection
Description of the Experiment

This is the same experimental set-up as part 1, except that this time a drop of glycerine is used instead of a drop of water. Predict what will happen to the totally internally reflected beam as the laser beam is swept across the top of the block. Use your model of refraction and the conditions for total internal reflection to make your prediction.

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Questions

If the outcome of the experiment did not match your prediction, can you come up with an explanation for what you saw?