Lab 7. Introduction to Reflection and Refraction

Introduction

This experiment is designed to examine the reflection and refraction of light : relationship between incidence angle and reflection angle, and relationship between incidence angle and refraction angle. 

Procedure

1. Set up the light box and semicircular plastic on the protractor. 

2. Move the semicircular plastic (starting 0 degree), measure the incidence angle and reflection angle. 

3. Rearrange the device by turning the direction of semicircular plastic.

4. Move the semicircular plastic (starting 0 degree), measure the incidence angle and refraction angle. 

Data/Discussion

2. 

Discussion

1. a) 0 degree

   b) 0 degree

   c) showing discontinuity of small segment because the light get refraction when they pass through different medium

   d) greater (acrylic block) to lower (air)

2. yes

3 &4. Data

5. 

6 & 7.

Slope = 0.6307 = 1/ index of semicircular plastic

8 & 9. 

10. We were not able to complete all 10 trials. The refraction light disappeared.

11 & 12.

Slope = 1.49 = index of semicircular plastic

Conclusion

The incidence light angle and refraction angle has a linear relationship. Based on the measurement, the index of semicircular plastic comes out to be 1.49.