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Physics Investigatory Project 1

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20 views13 pages

Physics Investigatory Project 1

Uploaded by

uleidoublealt
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Physics Investigatory Project

Session 2024-25

A Project Report on Refractive Indices of Media

Name: Pranit Chitkara


Class: 12th G
Roll No:
Certificate

This is to certify that Pranit Chitkara of class


XIIG of Delhi Public School, Sector 45,
Gurugram has satisfactorily completed his
project on the topic “Determination of Refractive
Indices of Various Media Using Apparent
Depth” under the guidance of Ms. Anny Kalra in
the academic year 2024-25.

Signature of Teacher
Acknowledgements

I Pranit Chitkara would like to express my


gratitude to my Physics teacher Ms. Anny Kalra
for her vital suggestions, guidance and
encouragement.

I would also like to thank the Lab Assistant sir


for his constant help.
Index

➢ AIM
➢ THEORY
➢ APPARATUS
➢ PROCEDURE
➢ OBSERVATIONS
➢ RESULT
➢ PRECAUTIONS
➢ SOURCES OF ERROR

AIM
“To determine the refractive index
of three medias – glass, water and
cooking oil using the concept of
apparent depth.”

Theory
The refractive index of a medium quantifies the
bending of light as it passes from one medium to
another. When an object is observed through a
refracting medium (e.g., glass, water or cooking
oil), it appears at a different depth due to
refraction. The relationship between the real
depth (dr) and apparent depth (da) is used to
determine n.

The refractive index is given by the formula:

n = dr/da

Here, dr is the actual depth of the object, and da


is the depth perceived by the observer. The
formula assumes normal incidence, where light
rays strike the interface perpendicularly,
eliminating
angular effects on refraction. This method is
simple and precise for transparent media.

Apparatus
➢Glass Prism/Slab
➢Beaker
➢Water
➢Cooking Oil
➢Iron Nails
➢Paper
➢Pen/Pencil
➢ 2 Rulers

Procedure
1. Take a piece of paper and make a dot
on it using a pen.
2. Note down the height of the prism (dr).
3. Note the error if any.
4. Keep the piece of paper below a glass
prism and observe the paper from above.
5. Adjust a scale to match the height of the
apparent image with the height of the scale
from the surface.
6. Using another scale note down the
height of the image formed.
7. Subtract this reading from the total
height of the prism to obtain the apparent
depth (da).
8. Take down two readings.
9. Repeat the above steps (1-7) by dipping
an iron nail in a beaker filled with water and
cooking oil respectively.
Observations
Glass Prism
S. No Real Shift Apparent Error Corrected n =
Depth (cm) Depth da (cm) Apparent dr/da
dr (cm) (cm) Depth
(cm)
1. 5 1.5 3.5 0.3 3.2 1.56
2. 5 1.4 3.6 0.3 3.3 1.51

Water
S. No Real Shift Apparent Error Corrected n =
Depth (cm) Depth da (cm) Apparent dr/da
dr (cm) (cm) Depth
(cm)
1. 8.4 1.8 6.6 0.3 6.3 1.33
2. 8.4 2 6.4 0.3 6.1 1.37

Cooking Oil
S. No Real Shift Apparent Error Corrected n =
Depth (cm) Depth da (cm) Apparent dr/da
dr (cm) (cm) Depth
(cm)
1. 4.2 1 3.2 0.3 2.9 1.44
2. 4.2 1.1 3.1 0.3 2.8 1.5
Results

1) Mean value of refractive index for glass


prism = 1.535
2) Mean value of refractive index for water =
1.35
3) Mean value of refractive index for cooking oil
= 1.47

Hence, we calculated the refractive indices of


various mediums using the concept of apparent
depth.
Precautions

• Avoid parallax error: Ensure that the observer’s


eye is directly above the point of observation to
avoid misreading the apparent depth.
• Clean the Medium: The container and medium
(e.g., water, glass) should be free from
impurities and air bubbles to avoid scattering or
distortion of light.
• Stable Medium: Ensure the medium is
undisturbed, and there are no ripples or vibration
during the observation.
Sources of Error

• Accurate Measurement: Use a scale or


measuring device with fine divisions for precise
measurements of real and apparent depths.
• Proper lighting: Use sufficient and uniform
lighting to clearly see the object through the
medium.
• Normal viewing angle: Observe vertically to
minimize errors caused by angular refraction.

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