Title: Investigating the Refractive Index of Water and Oil Using a

Plane Mirror and Equiconvex Lens

Abstract
This investigatory project focuses on the concept of refraction and how
different transparent liquids affect the behavior of light when passed through
a convex lens. The primary aim is to experimentally calculate the refractive
indices of water and oil using a simple optical setup involving a plane mirror
and equiconvex lens. This hands-on activity strengthens the understanding
of optical properties and enhances scientific reasoning through
experimentation and observation.
Acknowledgement
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my Physics teacher, who
guided me throughout this project and helped refine my ideas with valuable
suggestions. I also sincerely thank my parents for their continuous
motivation and support. My friends, too, played an encouraging role by
reviewing and assisting me during the experiment and compilation of the
project report.
Certificate
This is to certify that Shreyansh Singh, student of Class XII, has successfully
completed the investigatory project titled “Investigating the Refractive Index
of Water and Oil Using a Plane Mirror and Equiconvex Lens” under my
guidance and supervision, as per the CBSE curriculum requirements, during
the academic session 2024–2025.
Teacher’s Signature
Date:
Index
1. Introduction
2. Objective
3. Theory
4. Material Required
5. Experimental Setup
6. Procedure
7. Observations
8. Calculations
9. Results
10. Application
11. Precautions
12. Sources of Error
13. Conclusion
14. Bibliography
1. Introduction
Refraction is the bending of light as it moves across media with different
optical densities. It plays a crucial role in the behavior of lenses, prisms, and
optical instruments. In this project, we investigate how different liquids affect
the focal length of a convex lens. Using an equiconvex lens placed on a
plane mirror, we measured focal lengths in air, water, and oil. We calculated
the refractive indices using the formula ( n = rac{f}{f’} ), obtaining 1.33 for
water and 1.47 for oil.
2. Objective
To perform a comparative study of how the presence of transparent liquids
like water and oil affects the focal length of a convex lens and to calculate
their respective refractive indices using experimental observation and
theoretical analysis.
3. Theory
The principle of this experiment relies on how light refracts when it passes
through a curved surface and encounters different optical media. When an
equiconvex lens is placed on a plane mirror and a pin is placed vertically
above it, a real image is formed. By adding a transparent liquid between the
lens and the mirror, the speed of light in that region changes, which alters
the effective focal length.
The refractive index ( n ) can be calculated using: [ n = ] Where: - ( f ) =
focal length of the lens in air
- ( f’ ) = focal length of the lens in a given liquid
This fundamental relation allows for the experimental determination of
optical densities of the involved liquids.
4. Material Required
To successfully conduct this experiment, the following materials and
instruments are necessary: - Equiconvex lens (focal length = 10 cm) - Plane
mirror with a clean reflective surface - Optical bench or a stable flat base -
White paper sheet for background - Object needle or pin for alignment -
Stands or clamps for support - Dropper for adding liquids - Clean distilled
water and sunflower oil - Scale or vernier caliper for measurement - Tissue or
cloth for cleaning and wiping lenses
5. Experimental Setup
The experimental arrangement consists of placing the equiconvex lens
directly on top of a clean plane mirror. A white paper sheet is kept
underneath the mirror to enhance visibility. An object pin is positioned
vertically above the lens and carefully aligned. The lens is adjusted such that
the image of the pin coincides with the actual pin (no parallax). The same
process is repeated after introducing water or oil between the lens and
mirror. A diagram illustrating ray paths and image formation is included for
better clarity.
6. Procedure
1. Clean the plane mirror and lens thoroughly to remove dust or impurities.
2. Place the lens centrally on the plane mirror. 3. Fix a pin vertically above
the lens and view through the top. 4. Move your eye slightly side to side to
check for parallax; adjust until the real image aligns with the pin. 5. Measure
the vertical distance from the pin to the lens; record this as focal length in
air. 6. Use a dropper to introduce water carefully between the lens and
mirror, avoiding air bubbles. 7. Repeat the parallax procedure and record
new focal length. 8. Repeat steps with oil. 9. Tabulate and compare all
measurements. 10. Calculate refractive indices using ( n = ).
7. Observations
| Medium | Focal Length in Air (f) | Focal Length in Medium (f’) | Refractive
Index (n) | |————|————————–|——————————|———————–| |
Water | 10.0 cm | 7.5 cm | 1.33 | | Oil | 10.0 cm | 6.8 cm | 1.47 |
8. Calculations
- For Water: [ n = = = 1.33 ] - For Oil: [ n = ]
These results are consistent with standard values and validate the
experimental design.
9. Results
The refractive index of water was experimentally found to be approximately
1.33, and that of oil was about 1.47. These outcomes closely match the
theoretical values given in textbooks and verify the effectiveness of using a
convex lens and plane mirror for such measurements.
10. Application
This experiment has practical implications in fields where refractive index
measurement is essential: - In optical engineering and lens design - In
quality control laboratories for liquid identification - In medical and chemical
analysis involving refractometry - In educational setups for demonstrating
optical phenomena
11. Precautions
- Always use clean and dry apparatus before beginning the experiment. -
Avoid introduction of air bubbles when pouring liquids between the lens and
mirror. - Ensure the pin is placed perfectly vertical for accurate image
alignment. - Take multiple readings and average them to reduce human
error. - Work under bright lighting conditions to clearly view the image.
12. Sources of Error
- Parallax error due to incorrect eye positioning - Inaccurate measurement of
distances using ruler or scale - Impurities or particles in water or oil -
Misalignment of lens, mirror, or object pin
13. Conclusion
This project demonstrated a straightforward and effective method for
determining the refractive indices of water and oil. The experimental values
closely matched theoretical expectations, supporting the underlying physics
of light refraction. This investigation not only deepened our understanding of
optical principles but also showcased the practicality of applying basic
physics tools for scientific analysis.
14. Bibliography
- NCERT Class XII Physics Textbook - Concepts of Physics by H.C. Verma -
[Link] - Practical Physics Lab Manual by Laxmi
Publications - [Link]

(End of Project Report)