The observed bending of light in a glass of water aligns with simulations, confirming the impact of medium changes. Refraction direction and speed changes correlate, evident in both real-world and simulated scenarios. The angle of incidence and prism experiments further elucidate these phenomena.
Reflection and Refraction with a Glass of Water:
When you place a straight object in a glass of water and observe it from different angles, you'll notice that the object appears bent or displaced at the water-air interface.
Develop an initial model: The change in the apparent position of the object is due to the bending of light as it travels from air into water or vice versa.
PhET Simulation Bending Light:
Air to Water:
Light slows down and bends towards the normal (line perpendicular to the surface) as it goes from air to water.
Model: Draw a ray approaching the water surface at an angle. Show the ray bending towards the normal upon entering the water.
Water to Air:
Light speeds up and bends away from the normal as it goes from water to air.
Model: Draw a ray approaching the water-air interface at an angle. Show the ray bending away from the normal upon entering the air.
Comparison:
Similarity: Both involve bending, but in opposite directions.
Difference: Direction of bending and speed change are opposite.
Relation to Glass of Water:
The bending of light in the simulation is similar to what you observed in the glass of water. In both cases, the change in medium (air to water or vice versa) causes the bending of light.
Angle of Incidence:
As you change the angle of incidence, the amount of bending (refraction) changes. A steeper angle will result in a more pronounced change in direction.
Prisms Section of the Simulation:
Angle of Refraction:
The angle of refraction depends on the angle at which light enters the prism. The greater the angle of incidence, the greater the angle of refraction.
Rainbow Formation:
To make light split into a rainbow, you need a prism. Adjust the angle of incidence to see the dispersion of light into its different colors. Include a screenshot of this setup.
More Tools Section:
Index of Refraction:
The index of refraction represents how much light slows down in a medium compared to its speed in a vacuum. Higher index means slower speed.
As light goes to a medium with a higher index, it bends more towards the normal. To a lower medium, it bends away.
Speed of Light and Index of Refraction:
Increasing the index of refraction decreases the speed of light. Explain this using a model.
Gather data or research that supports this explanation.
Data Collection:
Use the speed tool in the simulation to collect data on how the speed of light changes with different indices of refraction.
Explain the relationship between the index of refraction and the speed of light using the data collected.
Make sure to include visuals like models, screenshots, or diagrams to support your explanations.