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Refraction Study with Hollow Prism Experiment

This document outlines an experiment to study the refraction of light through a hollow prism filled with different transparent liquids (water, oil, and spirit). The aim is to compare the angle of incidence and angle of deviation for each liquid, demonstrating that deviation increases with the refractive index. The results indicate that oil causes the greatest deviation, while spirit causes the least, confirming the laws of refraction.

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vhp322009
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3 views7 pages

Refraction Study with Hollow Prism Experiment

This document outlines an experiment to study the refraction of light through a hollow prism filled with different transparent liquids (water, oil, and spirit). The aim is to compare the angle of incidence and angle of deviation for each liquid, demonstrating that deviation increases with the refractive index. The results indicate that oil causes the greatest deviation, while spirit causes the least, confirming the laws of refraction.

Uploaded by

vhp322009
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

INTRODUCTION

Light changes its path when it passes from one


medium to another. This phenomenon is called
refraction of light. The amount of bending depends
on the optical density of the medium.

A prism is a transparent optical object with flat,


polished surfaces that refract light. A hollow prism
allows us to fill different transparent liquids and
study how light behaves in them.

In this project, a hollow prism is filled with water, oil,


and spirit one by one. The angle of incidence and the
corresponding angle of deviation are observed and
compared to understand how different liquids affect
the bending of light.
AIM AND OBJECTIVES

Aim
To find and compare the angle of incidence and
angle of deviation for a ray of light passing through a
hollow prism filled with different transparent liquids.

Objectives
1. To study refraction through a hollow prism
2. To observe the deviation of light in different
liquids
3. To compare deviation for water, oil, and
spirit
4. To understand the effect of refractive index
on deviation
5. To develop practical skills in optical
experiments
APPARATUS AND THEORY

Apparatus Required
• Hollow glass prism
• Transparent liquids (water, oil, spirit)
• Drawing board
• White paper
• Optical pins
• Protractor
• Scale
• Pencil
• Clamp stand
Theory

When a ray of light enters a prism, it bends towards


the normal due to refraction. When it emerges, it
bends away from the normal. The angle between the
original direction of the ray and the emergent ray is
called the angle of deviation (δ).

The deviation depends on:


• Angle of incidence
• Refractive index of the liquid
• Angle of the prism

Liquids with higher refractive index cause greater


deviation.
PROCEDURE
1. Fix a white paper on the drawing board.
2. Place the hollow prism on the paper and
trace its outline.
3. Fill the prism with water.
4. Draw an incident ray making a known angle
with one face.
5. Place optical pins along the incident ray.
6. Observe the emergent ray by placing pins on
the other side.
7. Measure the angle of incidence and angle of
deviation using a protractor.
8. Repeat the experiment by filling the prism
with oil and then spirit.
9. Record all observations carefully.
RESULT AND CONCLUSION

Result

The angle of deviation varies with the type of liquid


filled in the hollow prism.

Conclusion
1. The deviation of light increases with
increase in refractive index.
2. Oil produces the greatest deviation due to
higher optical density.
3. Spirit produces the least deviation.
4. Water shows intermediate behavior.
5. The experiment confirms the laws of
refraction.
PRECAUTIONS AND APPLICATIONS

Precautions
1. The prism should be cleaned before filling
liquids.
2. Avoid air bubbles inside the prism.
3. Pins should be vertical and properly aligned.
4. Measurements should be taken carefully.
5. The prism should not be disturbed during
observation.

Applications
• Used in optical instruments
• Helps in understanding refraction
• Useful in spectrometers
• Basis of prism-based sensors

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