Question

A microscope is focused on a scratch on the bottom of a beaker. Turpentine is poured into a

depth of 4 cm and it is found necessary to raise the microscope through a vertical distance of
1.28 cm to bring the scratch again into focus. Find the refractive index of the turpentine.

Answer 1

To find the refractive index of turpentine, we need more information about the refractive index of air and the radius of curvature of the beaker.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the refractive index of turpentine, we can use the lens formula:

1/f = (n2 - n1)/R

Given that the depth of the turpentine is 4 cm and the microscope needs to be raised by 1.28 cm to bring the scratch into focus, we can calculate the focal length (f) using the equation:

f = depth - raised distance

Substituting the values, we get:

f = 4 cm - 1.28 cm = 2.72 cm

To find the refractive index of turpentine (n2), we need to know the refractive index of air (n1) and the radius of curvature of the beaker (R). Without these values, it is not possible to calculate the refractive index of turpentine.

Learn more about Refraction of light