Columbia University Physics Lecture Demonstrations


Categories
Mechanics
Fluid Mechanics
Oscillation and Waves
Thermodynamics
Electricity and Magnetism
Optics
Modern Physics
Astronomy

6A44.1 Total Internal Reflection in Water

[Setup Time: 20 Min.] [Current Condition: Good]

Info

A beam of light shines onto a mirror in an aquarium. The mirror reflects the beam toward the surface, and the angle of the mirror can be adjusted gradually so that one sees refraction, refraction and partial reflection, critical angle, and total internal reflection. As the angle of the beam approaches the critical angle, one also sees dispersion as the refracted beam spreads into a spectrum on the screen.

Parts List

Tank and mirror with handle in I. Optics, 1A

Relevant Simulation

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Other Information

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Real-Life Examples

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More Advanced Reading

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