Introduction

In the previous experiment refractive index is

determined by filling the convex mirror with
liquids and measuring their radius of curvature.
Refractive index of liquid also can be
determined using plane mirror. In a plane mirror
image is formed behind the mirror. Using
convex lens this image can be formed on to a
screen. This principle is used in this experiment.
A liquid embedded between the plane mirror
and convex lens is called liquid lens. Figure-1
shows the liquid lens. Presences of liquid
between the sandwiches facilitate
determination refractive index as in the
previous case. The presence of liquid alters the
radius of curvature of the liquid lens. Hence by
measuring the radius of curvature refractive
index can be measured as in the previous
experiment.
 Where c is velocity of light in vacuum =3x108
m
/s
v is velocity of light in the medium through
which it is travelling

If R1 is the radius curvature of the plane

mirror-convex lens combination in air and R2 is
the radius of curvature plane mirror-convex
lens combination with liquid in between then the
refractive index is given by

The presence of liquid in between the mirror

and convex lens increase the focal point hence
image is formed further in compare to air in
between the mirror and convex lens. Hence R2
is larger than R1. The liquid between plane
mirror and convex lens now forms a plano-
concave lens (plain side due to mirror and
concave side due to lens) hence the focal point
is increased or resulting in larger radius of
curvature. Figure-1 shows the liquid embedded
with plain mirror and convex lens.
Figure-1: Liquid lens; inner circle concave lens
formed by the liquid outer circle convex lens
boundary, square boundary is the mirror
Apparatus used
Figure-2 shows the instrument used to determine
refractive index and velocity of light in liquids. It
consists of illuminated object and semi transparent
screen. A LED light is used to illuminate the object
printed on semi transparent acrylic sheet. The image
of the object reflected from the mirror can be
viewed on the image screen by the side of object. By
moving whole set on a retort stand, the image can be
focused.

Figure-2: Liquid lens apparatus: Illuminated box

fitted to retort stand and convex lens placed on a
mirror on the base of the stand
Experimental procedure
1. The refractive index illuminated box is fitted to
retort stand (12.5mm dia) as shown in Figure-2 and
switched on.

2. The plane mirror is placed on the base of the

retort stand and above which the convex lens is
placed as shown in Figure-2.

3. The light from refractive index illuminated box

falls on the plain mirror and the reflected light is
pass through lens is focused by moving the
illuminated box as shown in Figure-3.

4. The distance between the retort stand base and

illuminated box is noted. This is radius of curvature
of the mirror-convex lens combination.
R1 = 11.3cm
5. The convex lens is removed from the mirror and
few drops (about 2ml) water is poured on the center
of the plain mirror and the convex lens is placed over
it. The liquid under the convex lens takes the concave
curvature shape. Along with the plain mirror is
behaves like a concave mirror reflected light to the
image screen. By adjusting the distance clear image
of the object is seen and distance between base of
the retort stand and illuminated box gives
R2 =15.5cm

Refractive index μ is calculated using Equation-1

6. Trial is repeated 2-3 time focusing and refocusing

and average value is noted in Table-1

7. Experiment is repeated by taking different liquid

between the mirror and the convex lens. The
corresponding radius of curvature and refractive
index calculated are tabulated in Table-1.
8. Velocity of light in the liquid is calculated using
formula

Similar calculations are made for all the liquids and

velocity light in different liquids are calculated and
presented in Table-1.
Important Note
Organic liquids such as acetone, benzene etc are
generally available in chemistry lab that al so can
be used to determine refractive index. However,
while using organic liquid care is take to see that
liquid doest spill out the concave mirror and touch
the bottom painted portion of the mirror. Organic
liquids dissolve paint hence we have used household
liquids only.
 Result
The refractive index determined are listed in Table-1
and compared with standard values. Refractive index
of water and glycerin are well known and % error in
measurement is 0.6% and 8% respectively. These
indicate the accuracy of measurement.

Velocities of light in different liquids are different

liquids and velocity of light decease as the refractive
in increase. In bee honey the velocity (1.66x108m/s)
determined is the minimum in this experiment and in
water (2.16x108m/s) is the maximum.