036 – Refraction of light at the surface of the water
Light doesn’t always go straight ahead
Introduction to:
Refraction of light
Observation and explication of light refraction
Material:
Cup (large)
Coin
Glue
Pin
Execution:
Glue the coin to the bottom of the cup and press it down with the pen
Look over the edge so that you can’t see the coin anymore
Now carefully pour water into the cup
Be careful not to change your perspective
Observation:
As the water is poured, the coin reappears in view.
Explication:
A beam of light emanating from the coin enters the eye, even though the coin is behind the rim of the cup. This is possible because of the bend that the light beam experiences due to refraction on the surface of the water.
Tip:
If the coin is not glued, there is a risk that it will slip when the water is poured.
Assignment:
For both cases (without and with water in the cup), draw the path of the light steel from the coin to the eye!
Keep in mind that the light beam will bend at the surface of the water!
