Science Lab Experiment: Refraction
Demonstration: Refraction of Light Rays
Object: To determine whether light rays bend.
Materials: water, container, trough, penny
Diagram:
Method: A penny was placed on the bottom of a metal trough.
A volunteer stood so that he could barely see the coin
over the edge of the trough. He then moved so that he
could no longer see the coin. Water was added to the trough,
covering the penny.
Observations: As the water was added, the coin appeared to rise
and become visible.
Conclusions: As the light rays were reflected from the penny, they
passed through the water and were refracted (bent) upwards
as they entered the air.
