Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Is it possible to use refraction of light to tell the difference between two indistinguishable liquids? How? Explain your reasoning.

Jadeanne - I think it is certainly possible to see the difference between two liquids based on the refractive index of the liquids, but what if the two liquids, different in composition, have the same refractive index? It may not always be a positive determining test. If you had several known liquid samples, and identified their refractive indexes, you should be able to determine the identity of an unknown liquid (if an example of the liquid is in the sample), by comparing refraction of light. Concentrations also will play into the equation. Don't know if that helps, or if you are looking for more data like spectral dispersion.

Rick Marz