Topic:
To find the refractive index of (a) water (b) oil using a plane mirror and an
equiconvex lens and an adjustable object needle.
Introduction:
In optics, the refractive index (a.k.a. refraction index) of an optical medium is a
dimensionless number that indicates the light-bending ability of that medium. The refractive
index determines how much the path of light is bent, or refracted when entering a material.
This is described by Snell's law of refraction, n₁Sin θ₁ = n2Sinn2,
Where,
θ₁ = Angles of incidence
θ2 = Angle of refraction,
Respectively of a ray crossing the interface between two media with refractive indices n₁ and
n₂
Theory:
If 𝒇𝟏 and 𝒇𝟐 be the focal length of glass convex lens and liquid lens and F be the focal length
of their combination then,
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝒇𝒇𝟐
= 𝒇 + 𝒇 or 𝒇𝟐 = 𝒇
𝒇 𝟏 𝟐 𝟏 −𝒇
Liquid lens formed is a planoconcave lens with
R1= R (radius of curvature of convex lens surface)
R2 = ∞
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
= ( 𝒏 − 𝟏) [ − ]
𝒇𝟐 𝑹𝟏 𝑹 𝟐
𝟏 𝟏
= ( 𝒏 − 𝟏) [ − ]
𝑹𝟏 ∞
𝟏
= ( 𝒏 − 𝟏) [ − 𝟎]
𝑹𝟏
𝟏 𝒏−𝟏
=
𝒇𝟐 𝑹
Where,
n = Refractive index of the liquid
R = The radius of the curvature of the convex lens. The radius of the lower surface of the
convex lens is given by:
𝒍𝟐 𝒉
𝑹= +
𝟔𝒉 𝟐
Here, l is the average distance between the legs of the spherometer and h is the difference in
the reading of the spherometer when placed first on the convex lens and then on plane mirror
Fig. focal length of glass convex lens and liquid lens combination
Aim:
To find the refractive index of water, oil using a plane mirror and an equiconvex lens and an
adjustable object needle.
Apparatus Required:
• Convex lens
• Plane mirror
• Water
• Oil
• Clamp stand
• An Optical needle
• Plumb line
• Knitting needle
• Half meter Scale
• Glass slab
• Spherometer
Methodology/ Procedure:
(a) For focal length of convex lens:
1. Find the rough focal length of the convex lens.
2. Place a plane mirror on the horizontal base of the iron stand and then a convex lens
on the plane mirror.
3. Hold the needle in the clamp stand and adjust its position on the stand such that there
is no parallax between tip of the needle and its image.
4. Measure distance between tip and upper surface of the lens by using a plumb line
and half meter scale. Also measure the distance between tip of needle and upper surface
of the mirror. Take the mean of the two readings. This means distance will be equal to
the focal length of the convex lens (fi).
(b) For focal length of the combination.
5. Put a few drops of the water on the plane mirror and put the convex lens over it with
its same face above as before. The water spreads in a form of layer and acts like a Plano-
concave lens.
6. Repeat the steps 3 and 4 to determine the equivalent focal length of the combination.
7. Record the observation.
8. Repeat the steps 5, 6, 7 for other transparent liquid (oil).
(c) For radius of curvature of convex lens surface:
9. Determine the pitch and the least count of the spherometer.
10. Remove the convex lens and dry it completely. Put the spherometer on this lens
surface.
11. All the three legs of the spherometer should be placed symmetrically on the lens
and adjust the central screw tip to touch the surface of the lens.
12. Remove the spherometer from the surface of the lens and place on the plane mirror
surface and record the reading.
13. Repeat the steps 10 and 11 three times.
14. Obtain the impressions of the three legs of the spherometer on a paper and mark
them and their average distance.
𝒍𝟏 + 𝒍𝟐 + 𝒍𝟑
𝒍=
𝟑
Diagram:
Fig: (a) To find focal length of convex lens
(b) For the length of legs AB, BC, CA of Sperometer
Observation:
Pitch of the spherometer = 1 cm
Least count of the spherometer = 0.01 cm
Distance between the Legs:
(1)AB = 3cm
(2)BC = 3 cm
(3)CA = 3cm
Table for Calculation of 'h'
Initial
No. of Final
reading of Additional H= n X
complete reading of Mean “h”
S.No the C.S on C.S. div. pitch + m
rotations the C.S on (cm)
the convex moved X L.C
(n) glass slab
lens (a)
1 62 0 6.5 55.5 0.555
0.5775
2 64 0 4 60 0.6
To Measure focal length ‘f’ of Convex Lens
Distance of Needle tip from
Tip of the Upper
Area
upper surface of Mean
between lens Focal Length
Sl. No surface of the plane 𝑥1 + 𝑥2
and plane 𝑋= (cm)
the convex mirror (cm) 2
mirror
lens (cm) X1 X2
1Without 1 30.5 31 30.72
Liquid 2 36.7 37.2 36.95 𝑓1 =33.85
With Water 1 31.4 31.8 31.6
𝑓2 =34.7
2 37.5 38.1 37.8
1 9.4 9.6 9.5
With Oil 𝑓3 =10
2 10.4 10.6 10.5
Calculation:
Mean Distance Between two legs
(AB + BC + CA)
𝑙= = 3cm
3
(0.555 + 0.6)
Mean of h = = 0.5775cm
3
To find the radius of curvature of the convex lens
𝑙2 ℎ
𝑅= + = 2.8861 𝑐𝑚
6ℎ 2
Measurement of refractive indices of water and oil:
1. With water between the convex lens and the plane mirror
𝑅 2.8861
µ1 = 1 + = 1+ = 1.0831
𝑓2 34.7
2. With oil between the convex lens and the plane mirror
𝑅 2.8861
µ2 =1 + =1+ = 1.2886
𝑓3 10
Result:
The refractive Index of Water is µ₁ = 1.0831
The refractive Index of Oil is µ₂ = 1.2886
Precautions:
1. The plane mirror should be clean and fully shining surface.
2. The liquid taken should be transparent.
3. The parallax should be removed tip to tip.
4. The eye should be at a distance about 30 cm from the needle while removing the parallax
5. Only few drops of liquid should be taken so that its layer should be thick.
6. The legs of the spherometer should be vertical.
7. The centre leg of the spherometer should turn in one direction only.
Sources of Error:
1. Liquid may not be quite transparent.
2. The parallax may not be fully removed.
3. The spherometer legs should be placed symmetrical on the surface of the convex lens.
4. The tip of the central screw should not just touch the surface of lens or mirror
Bibliography:
1. NCERT Textbook
2. NCERT Physics Lab Manual
3. www.google.com
4. www.wikipedia.com
5. www.youtube.com
