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Swarthmore Physics Demonstrations

May 23, 2016January 19, 2024 aneat1

Refraction with Water

smoke on the water 1

laser refraction 1

laser refraction 2

total internal reflection

  • Refracted beam of light made visible with water, coffee creamer, and smoke.
  • Fill container half way with water. Mix in 1 or 2 pinches of non-dairy coffee creamer.
  • Use smoke maker (blue device in top photo) to fill container with smoke. Place lid on container to contain smoke.
  • Use laser pointer to create beam of light.

Posted in Geometric Optics, OpticsTagged laser, refraction, smoke, snell, snell's law, water

Lab Videos

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  • Intro to Oscilloscope and Function Generator
  • Bread Board

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  • Useful Links:
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  • physics/astronomy faculty & staff
  • lab equipment inventory
  • Physics Instructional Resource Association
  • TSG @ MIT
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