Bouncing Laser
From UO Physics Demonstration Catalog
Revision as of 11:04, 25 April 2022 by Physdemo (talk | contribs) (Created page with "{{NewDemo|subject=Light and Optics|topic=Refraction and Dispersion|file1=bouncing_laser.jpg}} A 1:1 solution of Karo syrup and water is left to sit overnight. The syrup slowly sinks to the bottom and a varying level of index of refraction results. About 2 inches of syrup on the bottom looks good for this demo. A laser is shined into one end of the plexiglass tank, and it is seen to bend because of the varying index of refraction from the bottom to the top layer. When th...")
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Description:
A 1:1 solution of Karo syrup and water is left to sit overnight. The syrup slowly sinks to the bottom and a varying level of index of refraction results. About 2 inches of syrup on the bottom looks good for this demo. A laser is shined into one end of the plexiglass tank, and it is seen to bend because of the varying index of refraction from the bottom to the top layer. When the beam hits the bottom of the tank, it reflects back up, then curves down again, making it appear that the beam is bouncing. This demonstration is difficult to set up, and ample time should be allowed for it to be set up properly. This requires at least a day in advance so that the water and syrup can sit overnight.
Location:
- Laser: Shelf M-2
- Tank: Shelf M-1
