Total Internal Reflection
Source Institutions
-
Optical Society of America
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In this activity, learners use a laser pointer, empty soda bottle, rubber plug and water to demonstrate total internal reflection. Use this simple activity as a demonstration or group activity to explore reflection, refraction, fiber optics, and Snell's Law. This resource contains background information about total internal reflection, the equation for Snell's Law, and refractive indexes as well as links to articles about reflection and refraction of light.
- Under 5 minutes
- 5 to 10 minutes
- free
- Ages 14 - 18
- Activity, Demonstration
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- Laser pointer (preferably green)
- Empty 2-liter soda bottle (clear)
- Rubber plug
- Bucket
- Water
Subjects
- Engineering and Technology
- Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Technology
- Information and Communication
- Engineering
- Life Sciences
- Human Senses and Perception
- Vision
- Human Senses and Perception
- Mathematics
- Algebra
- Equations and Inequalities
- Variables and Expressions
- Geometry
- Algebra
- Physical Sciences
- Light and Optics
- Lasers
- Reflection and Refraction
- Light and Optics
- The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- The Scientific Process
- The Nature of Technology
- Technology and Society
- Impacts of Technology
- Technology and Society
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All Rights Reserved, Optical Society of America, ©2008
