A student is given a rectangular tank containing an optically clear liquid whose…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Light — Reflection and Refraction · Light — Reflection and Refraction
Problem
A student is given a rectangular tank containing an optically clear liquid whose identity is not known. The student has access to a red laser pointer, a plastic protractor marked in degrees, and a sheet of graph paper. The goal is to determine the liquid’s index of refraction as accurately as possible.
(a) Describe a step-by-step experimental procedure that would allow the student to obtain a data set suitable for determining the liquid’s index of refraction.
(b) Explain qualitatively how random uncertainties in measuring the incident angle and the refracted angle will affect the calculated value of the index of refraction.
(c) The student observes that the smallest division on the protractor is 1∘. Discuss two specific modifications or additional pieces of equipment that would reduce the fractional uncertainty in the final result, and explain why each would be effective.