REFRACTIVE INDEX OF A LIQUID

Aim: To determine the refractive index and Cauchys constants of a given liquid using hallow
prism.
Apparatus: Spectrometer, hallow prism, mercury vapour lamp, liquid and spirit level etc
Formula to Calculate:

1. Angle of the prism is

A=

R1 R 2
2

Where R1=light reflected from face (1)

R2=light reflected from face (2)

( A+2 D )
A
sin ( )
2

sin
2. Refractive index of the liquid

Where D=Angle of minimum deviation

2 1
b
a= 1 2
b= 2 2
3. Cauchys constants
2 ,
1 2
Where

=Refractive index of the prism w.r.t. line (1)

2 =Refractive index of the prism w.r.t. line (2)

1 2 = Wavelengths
4. Dispersive power

21
2 + 1
1
2

Diagram:

Nature of
graph:

1 B.Sc V semester Physics lab manual, Dept. of Physics, Govt. Science

College, Chitradurga

REFRACTIVE INDEX OF A LIQUID

Procedure:
Setting prism in minimum deviation position the centre of the prism table with one of its
refracting surfaces facing the collimator and observe the collimator and observe the spectral
lines emerging from opposite face. Receive the spectral lines through the telescope, observe a
spectral line say green and rotate the prism table slowly. So that the line moves towards the
collimator axis, continue the rotation until the line begins to return. Now stop the rotation of
the prism table. The prism is said to be in minimum deviation position. When the line is
taken closest to collimator axis. Take the readings for the lines desired without changing the
position of the prism. Make all the preliminary adjustments with the spectrometer, with the
narrow slit and mercury source.
Angle of minimum deviation and dispersive power:

Turn the prism table so that the light from collimator falls on face (1) &
emerges through the face (2)
Move the telescope towards the base of the hallow prism to receive the
spectrum in the field view.
Set the hallow prism in minimum deviation position in line with the collimator
& find the direct reading (Ro)
Calculate the angle of minimum deviation for green use these values to
calculate the refractive indices.
Finally calculate the dispersive power (w) of any 2colors using the relation(4).

Refractive index of the liquid

The prism is placed on the Prism table.

The parallel beam of light from collimator is made to pass through the prism.
The spectrum emerging from other side of the prism is caught by using the
telescope
The prism is turned to get the spectrum in its minimum deviation position &
fixed
2 B.Sc V semester Physics lab manual, Dept. of Physics, Govt. Science
College, Chitradurga

REFRACTIVE INDEX OF A LIQUID

The telescope is gently turned to get the various lines of mercury Spectrum at the
intersection of the cross wire & reading R in each case are noted.
The prism is removed & telescope is adjusted to get the direct reading R o
is rioted.
The angle of minimum deviation D for each spectral line is calculated fromD = R
Ro

The refractive index of the liquid is calculated using the relation (2)
By graphical method:

1
Draw a graph by plotting along y axis & 2 along X-axis

Straight line graph is obtained

The y intercept of the line gives the value of a
Slope of the straight line gives the value b

Observations:
Value of 1 M . S . D
1. Least Count of Spectrum = Total No. of VSD
2. Angle of the prism, A=

R1 R 2
2

Tabular column:
Spectral

Spectrometer

line

reading for min

D=R
Ro

1010

deviation R

1
1012
2

Violet
Blue
Green
Yellow
Result:
i

The angle of the prism A =

3 B.Sc V semester Physics lab manual, Dept. of Physics, Govt. Science
College, Chitradurga

REFRACTIVE INDEX OF A LIQUID

ii

iii

Refract index of liquid with respect to different colours

Violet =
Blue =
Green =
Yellow =
Cauchys Constant
Cauchys constant by graph
a=

b=

a=

b=

4 B.Sc V semester Physics lab manual, Dept. of Physics, Govt. Science

College, Chitradurga