Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi I need to interview for my project. I am doing a light based project so if you know anything about it, even the slightest bit just reply to this. I am testing the angle of refraction in different liquids with different viscosity's heated and cooled at different temperatures. If you can help me, I would be very greatfull.

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Sasha2211

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Science Buddies Staff

I am wondering why does light refract when going through different liquids? Also if the angle of refraction is large, doesn't mean that the speed of the liquid slows down? And if it is heated will it slow down or heat up? If it is cooled will it slow down or heat up? Please answer A.S.A.P


Sasha

Try looking up the speed of light in different media, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_of_light has some background information on the refraction index. At each boundary between media, some light will be reflected and some transmitted and the angle between the incident and transmitted angle will be related to the difference in the refraction index.

I have no clue how the refraction index changes with temperature for any given liquid. My best guess is that there is probably a non-linear relationship between refraction index and absolute temperature (Kelvin scale) which may differ significantly different for different liquids. There will certainly be significant changes near solid to liquid state changes and possibly when disolved gas pressure change significantly. There is the distinct possibility that any changes in refraction index are smaller than what you can easily measure (e.g. on the order of your measurement error factors especially if you aren't using a coherent light source to measure the reflectance index).

This is certainly an interesting area to do some experimenting in.

Craig thank you for you help and do you mind you telling me if your a scientist or person who is an amateur scientist? Because I need one for my science project. Anything dealing with light and your professional job would be best, but if it is just a hobby that would work to. If this sound okay with you I would like to follow up and use our exchanges in my final report.

I'm an avid amature photographer. By training, I'm an Electrical Engineer (BSEE/MSEE). In past jobs have worked with and designed several improvements to systems with optical components for high resolution remote imaging and spectral analysis. I've also worked in the graphic arts equipment manufacturing and dealt with optical scanning devices.

Thank you very much Criag