Chapter 18.1, Problem 6SSC

To determine

Liquid's index of refraction.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Refraction is the property of light. When light travels from rarer medium to denser medium, it moves away from normal. And when travels from denser medium to rarer medium, it moves away from normal.

In refraction, when light travelsfrom lowerrefractive index medium to higher refractive index of denser mediumthen it changes towards normal.

When light travels from higher refractive index medium to lower refractive index of medium, it movesaway from normal.

Here,when light enters certain liquid from water, it bends towards normal so that liquidsarehigher than water and when light enters from glass to same liquid its shifts away from normal.So, liquids refractive index is less than glass.

Conclusion:

The refractive index of liquid is greater than water and less than glass.