Physics Investigatory Project
Topic: Determination of Refractive Index of Water and Oil using Convex
Lens Method
Submitted By: ____________________
Class: XII Roll No: _______
Subject: Physics
School Name: ____________________
Index
Serial Number Content Page Number
1. Introduction 1
2. Theory 2
3. Aim 3
4. Materials Required 4
5. Principle 5
6. Experimental Setup 6
7. Procedure 7
8. Observations 8
9. Calculation 9
10. Graphs 10–11
11. Applications 12
12. Sources of Error & Precautions 13
13. Conclusion 14
14. Bibliography 15
Introduction
Light is a form of energy that travels in straight lines. When light enters from one transparent medium into another,
it changes direction. This bending of light is called refraction. The refractive index determines how much light
bends and depends on optical density. This experiment uses a convex lens on a plane mirror, a classical optical
bench technique, to evaluate refractive index of water and oil experimentally.
Theory
The refractive index of a medium is defined as the ratio of speed of light in vacuum to speed in medium: n = c / v
When lens is placed over plane mirror, needle and its image coincide under no parallax condition. Focal length
changes when lens is surrounded by different media. Formula used: n_liquid = (f_air / f_liquid) × n_glass Where
n_glass = 1.5
Aim
To determine refractive index of water and oil using convex lens and plane mirror method.
Materials Required
• Convex lens (known refractive index 1.5) • Plane mirror • Needle with stand • Scale/Vernier caliper • Water •
Transparent oil • Droppers • Tissue/cloth
Principle
Refraction occurs due to speed change. When lens is surrounded by liquid, its power decreases. Therefore focal
length increases. This shift is used to calculate refractive index accurately.
Experimental Setup
A plane mirror is placed and convex lens is placed above it. A needle on adjustable stand is placed above lens.
Distance between needle tip and mirror is noted when image and object coincide (no parallax).
Procedure
1. Setup plane mirror and lens on table. 2. Adjust needle until image coincides with object in air. 3. Measure object
height = focal length in air. 4. Pour water without disturbing setup and repeat. 5. Pour oil and repeat readings. 6.
Take three readings for each medium. 7. Compute mean focal lengths. 8. Use formula to compute refractive
indices.
Observations
Medium Trial 1 (cm) Trial 2 (cm) Trial 3 (cm) Mean (cm)
Air 14.8 15.2 15.0 15.0
Water 20.1 19.8 20.0 20.0
Oil 22.0 21.6 21.8 21.8
Calculation
Given: Refractive index of glass = 1.5 Focal length in air = 15 cm Water: n = (15/20)×1.5 = 1.125 ≈ 1.13 Oil: n =
(15/21.8)×1.5 ≈ 1.03
Graph - Focal Length
Graph - Refractive Index
Applications
Used in lenses, microscopes, spectacles, underwater imaging, fiber optics.
Sources of Error & Precautions
Avoid parallax, ensure clean lens/mirror, avoid vibrations, use pure liquids.
Conclusion
Water shows higher refractive index than oil. Experimental method verified refraction principle.
Bibliography
NCERT Class 12, SL Arora, Physics Practical Manual, Internet Resources.