[Virginia Tech Department of Physics]

 Lecture Demonstrations
Light
   

L24: Total Internal Reflection

 

Purpose: To demonstrate total internal reflection in (a) lucite blocks and (b) a water spout.

Description:

 

 1. Turn on the laser aimed parallel to the front of the classroom. Hold the blocks so that class members can see the beam totally internally reflected from various walls of the lucite blocks.

 
  2. Aim the beam through the water tank at the stopper on the opposite side. Pull the plug and notice that the beam follows the water stream. The beam bends more as the stream does. Put your hand in the stream, or do other tricks to dazzle your audience.  
Equipment List: Storage Location: CHEMP 130A

 

 Lucite blocks of different shapes A2.4
  Laser A1.3
  Tank of water with removable stopper near the bottom of a side. Catch bucket. A2.4

References:

Manual: None   Setup Notes: L24 PIRA #:
Manufacturer(s): Other school's Demonstration web pages

A/V

E&M
[HOME] Virginia Tech Physics

[PREV] Lecture Demo List