Testing Refractive Indexes in Solution
Sam Benkelman
Introduction--AbstractThe refractive index, n, of a substance determines how much it bends light upon entrance in a vacuum. Directly related to density, n of solid substances can be measured in a variety of ways. This experiment designs and proofs a new method with which to test the refractive indexes of solutions.
Background--Refractionhttp://www.freezeray.com/flashFiles/Refraction1.htm
http://www.freezeray.com/flashFiles/Refraction2.htm
Background--Refraction● Snell’s Law
n1sin𝜭1 = n2sin𝜭2
Setup
Tank Laser
Wall
n1
n2
Setup
Perpendicular
Distance P
Distance D
Width W
𝞱1
��2
Procedureindex of air is virtually 1
n2 = sin𝜭1 / (sin(tan-1(P/W)))
P = Wtan(sin-1(sin𝜭1 /n2 ))
Procedure● Set testing tank in place● Turn on laser, mark initial endpoint● Pour in solution● Mark final endpoint● Measure distance P
DataSubstance Distance P (mm) Calculated Index Given Index
H2O (baseline) 68 1.327 1.33--1.34
NaCl, 2 M 66 1.351 1.38
Ethyl Alcohol 64 1.376 1.36
Soybean Oil 54 1.535 1.47
Conclusion● In a perfect world…
o Results look hopefulo Testing method could be practical on a larger scale
Improvements● BETTER MEASUREMENTS
References"‘Cloaking’ Device Uses Ordinary Lenses to Hide Objects across Range of Angles."
NewsCenter. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Jan. 2015.
"Maxwell's Equations." Maxwell's Equations. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2015.
Fried, Stephen D. "Calculations of the Electric Fields in Liquid Solutions." The Journal of Physical Chemistry. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2015.