Reflection and Refraction

Question 1

9 steps : big one

What is the method for investigating the reflection of light by different types of surface and the refraction of light by different substances?

Answer 1

1. Set up ray box, slit and lens to produce narrow ray (switch off ray box when not in use to prevent overheating)
2. Take piece of a3 paper and draw straight line down centre vertically using ruler. Draw second line at right angle through first line using protractor and label it N for normal
3. Place glass block parallel against first line so middle of block is in line with normal and draw around glass block.
4. In a dark room use ray box to direct ray of light so its hits the block at the normal (incident ray) The angle between this ray and the normal is our angle of incidence.
5. Adjust ray box to alter angle of incidence ( Can see ray reflect from surface of block at an angle an another ray leaving block from opposite side (transmitted ray))
6. Mark path of incident ray, reflected ray and transmitted ray.
7. Switch off ray box, turn on lights and remove glass block.
8. Draw in rays and draw line showing path of transmitted ray through block. Use protracttor to measure angle of incidence, reflection and refraction.
9. Repeat with different material e.g. perspex and acrylic polymer