Page 240 - text book form physics kssm 2020

Activity 6.1 ISS ICS

Aim: To compare refractive index of different mediums and relate the refractive index of a
medium to its optical density
Instructions:
1. Work in groups.
2. Gather information from reading resources or websites regarding refractive index for
several different mediums such as air, water, cooking oil, ice, glass, diamond and
other mediums.
3. Discuss:
(a) The relationship between refractive index of the selected mediums and their optical
densities.
(b) What are the physical factors that infl uence the value of refractive index of
a medium?
(c) Which medium has the highest value of refractive index?
4. Present your fi ndings.

Snell’s Law Table 6.1 Refractive indices for several mediums
Table 6.1 shows the refractive indices for several Medium Refractive index
mediums. Figure 6.5 shows light rays travelling
from water into three different mediums. Vacuum and air 1.00
Olive oil 1.46
Perspex 1.50
Glass (crown) 1.52
Glass (flint) 1.66
Diamond 2.42

Normal Normal Normal

50° 50° 50°
n = 1.33 n = 1.33 n = 1.33
1 Water 1 Water 1 Water
n = 1.50 Perspex n = 1.66 Glass n = 2.42 Diamond
2 2 (flint) 2
42.8°
37.9°
24.9°

Figure 6.5 Light rays travelling from water into three different mediums

234 6.1.2 6.1.3
234
6.1.3
6.1.2