OPEN ACCESS
Journal of
Light
REFRACTION IN DIFFERENT MEDIUMS WITH
DIFFERENT DENSITIES
School Project for Junior High School Grade 8
Abstract:
This article is about an experiment involving light’s refraction in different mediums
with different optical densities. The purpose of this experiment article is to list how light
refraction works. When light enters through a medium with different densities, it refracts.
This refraction causes light illusions. This observation observes the refraction that
happens when a long object is placed in two different mediums at the same time and
the resulting angle. When dipped in a liquid, the observed object is seen ‘bent’ inside the
fluid. The bent image looks like as if it bends upwards. Few types of liquids are used. After
the object is dipped, the angle of refraction is measured. The tools and materials for this
simple experiment only require items that are abundant and available for the general
public. The observation that is conducted here uses liquids of similar optical density. Even
so, the results still vary by a few degrees. Different densities of fluids affect how much the
skewer ‘bends’. The higher the density, the more it bends away. The
lower the density, the closer it is from the normal line.
Keywords:
Light, Refraction, Fluid, Density
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Light
Light, also called visible radiation, allows humans to see their surroundings. Light moves
in a straight line. A light source produces and emits light.
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Figure 1. A light emitter (flashlight)
([Link])
Another property of light is refraction. Refraction occurs when light passes through a
transparent medium with a different density. The light will seem to bend inside the medium. The
light ray’s bending varies among mediums of different densities.
Table 1. Light When Entering a Medium
No Medium density/refractive index Results
1 Higher density/refractive index Light bends closer to the normal* line
2 Lower density/refractive index Light bends away from the normal*
line
*Imaginary line perpendicular to the medium that passes through the point where the light enters the medium
We can get the angle of the refraction by using a formula from Snell’s law:
n1 sin θi = n2 sin θr
n = refractive index of medium
θi = incident ray angle
θr = refracted ray angle
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1.2. Illusions Caused by Refraction
Refraction can cause weird illusions, some include objects that seem to not connect
to each other when placed in a glass filled with a liquid, an image of a submerged object
being higher that it is, an object facing the other direction when placed behind a glass of
water, etc.
Figure 2. A pencil that looks broken
([Link])
To understand how refraction works, a multitude of liquids were experimented for
the amount of light refracted by each liquid.
2. EXPERIMENTAL SECTION
2.1. Tools
In this experiment, beakers were used. It is advised to use the same shape and
number of beakers as the liquid types. A protractor was also used to compare the
incident angle and the refracted angle. All measurements used degrees. No other tools
were used.
2.2. Materials
Skewers were used, but other long and straight objects can also be used, such as
pencils. A few types of liquids were tested, including water, salt water, oil, and
alcohol. For better results, use liquids with high density discrepancy, such as glycerin
and water. Take note that the liquid’s color and opacity might impact results. In this
experiment, we used 50ml of each liquid.
2.3. Procedures
Firstly, pour 50ml of each liquid type to each beaker. Then, put the skewers in.
Measure the angle of the skewer inside and outside the fluid.
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3. Results and Discussion
3.1. Results
Figure 3. Experiment results
3.2. Discussions
These skewers look bent in the liquid due to refraction. Each liquid has different
densities, so the angle that these skewers bend vary. In this observation, water bends
the light by around 4°. Meanwhile, salt water causes a 6° deviation. Alcohol makes the
skewer “bend” by 3°, and oil causes a deviation of around 8°.
The original angle of each skewer is 131°. So, in water, the skewer’s apparent angle
is 135°. The reason is due to the light refracting in water, making the skewer image look
bent upwards instead.
Figure 4. Light refraction and object perception
4. Conclusions
Different densities of fluids affect how much the skewer ‘bends’. The higher the density,
the more it bends away. The lower the density, the closer it is from the normal line.
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References
1. Wikipedia ([Link] Snell’s Law
2. Science Learning Hub, ([Link]
3. Physics LibreTexts,
([Link]
5%3A_Geometric_Optics/25.03%3A_The_Law_of_Refraction)