BAL BHAVAN PUBLIC SCHOOL,

Mayur Vihar Phase – II , Delhi

PHYSICS INVESTIGATORY PROJECT
2024-2025
DETERMINATION OF REFRACTIVE INDICES
OF VARIOUS LIQUIDS USING A HOLLOW
PRISM
Guided by,
Ms. NITIKA KHANDELWAL
Submitted by,
Amish Gupta
Class XIIA
 CERTIFICATE
It is hereby to certify that, the original and genuine investigation
work has been carried out to investigate about the subject matter
and the related data collection and investigation has been
completed solely, sincerely and satisfactorily done by Amish
Gupta of Class XII A , Bal Bhavan Public School regarding the
project titled, “REFRACTIVE INDICES OF VARIOUS
MEDIUMS”

Internal Examiner External Examiner

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The successful completion of any task would be incomplete without
mentioning the names of those persons who helped to make it possible. I
take this opportunity to express my gratitude in few words and respect to
all those who helped me in the completion of this project.
It is my humble pleasure to acknowledge my deep senses ofgratitude to
my Physics teacher Ms.Nitika Khandewal for her valuable support,
constant help and guidance at each and every stage, without which this
project would not have come forth.
I also register my sense of gratitude to our principal, Mr. Vividh Gupta,
for his immense encouragement that has made this project successful.
I would also like to thank my friends and family for encouraging me
during the course of this project.
Last, but not the least, I would like to thank CBSE for giving us the
opportunity to undertake this project.

Index
 • Introduction
• Aim
• Apparatus Required
• Theory
• Procedure
• Observations
• Conclusions
• Precautions
• Bibliography

Introduction
Light is a fascinating phenomenon that exhibits a variety of behaviors as
it interacts with different materials. One of the most important of these
behaviors is refraction, which is the bending of light as it passes from
one medium to another. Refraction occurs because light travels at
different speeds in different materials. The amount of bending depends
on the refractive index of each medium. The refractive index is a
fundamental optical property that indicates how much the speed of light
is reduced inside a medium compared to its speed in a vacuum.
The refractive index is essential in a wide range of applications,
including the design of lenses, optical fibers, and various scientific
instruments. Understanding how light behaves when passing through
different substances helps in the study of optics and plays a crucial role
in fields like physics, chemistry, and engineering. This project focuses
on measuring the refractive indices of different liquids using a hollow
prism.
A prism is a transparent optical element with flat, polished surfaces that
refract light. The hollow prism used in this project is designed to be
filled with different liquids, allowing us to observe how light behaves
when passing through substances like water, benzaldehyde, and diluted
sulfuric acid. By measuring the angles of incidence and deviation of
light as it passes through the liquid-filled prism, we can calculate the
refractive index of each liquid.

The aim of this project is to determine the refractive indices of various

liquids and compare the experimental values with the theoretical ones.
This experiment also provides a practical demonstration of the principles
of refraction and highlights the importance of precision in experimental
physics. The hollow prism method is an effective way to measure
refractive indices because it allows us to test liquids without solidifying
them, as is required for solid prisms.
In the experiment, a beam of light passes through the prism, and the
resulting deviation is recorded for different angles of incidence. The
refractive index is then calculated using the formula derived from
Snell’s Law and the geometry of the prism. These calculations are
performed for each liquid, and the results are compared with the known
refractive indices of these liquids under standard conditions.
This project not only reinforces the understanding of optical refraction
but also illustrates the practical significance of precise measurement
techniques. The refractive index is not only a key property in optics but
also in the identification of materials, quality control in industries, and
even in medical diagnostics. By the end of the project, we will have
explored how various liquids affect the path of light and how their
refractive indices compare to known standards.

Aim of the Project

The primary aim of this project is to determine the refractive indices of
various liquids using a hollow prism and analyze how light behaves
when passing through these liquids. The refractive index is a key optical
property that describes how much a light ray bends, or refracts, as it
passes from one medium to another. By studying the refraction of light,
we gain valuable insights into the optical properties of materials, which
is essential for a wide range of scientific and industrial applications.
In this experiment, a hollow prism is filled with different liquids,
including water, benzaldehyde, and diluted sulfuric acid. These
liquids are selected for their distinct optical properties and differences in
refractive indices. The goal is to observe and measure the deviation of
light as it enters and exits the prism filled with each liquid, and to
determine the refractive indices based on the observations. This project
helps illustrate the principle that different liquids affect light in unique
ways based on their optical densities.
The hollow prism method provides a practical and effective way to
measure the refractive index of liquids. Unlike solid prisms, which have
fixed optical properties, the hollow prism can be filled with various
liquids, allowing us to measure and compare the optical properties of
multiple substances in a controlled environment. This flexibility makes
the hollow prism ideal for experiments involving liquids, where the
refractive index may vary significantly between different substances.
This project also emphasizes the importance of experimental accuracy.
To ensure reliable results, multiple trials are conducted for each liquid,
and the angle of deviation is measured carefully for different angles of
incidence. The consistency of the results across multiple observations
allows us to confidently assess the refractive index of each liquid.
This experiment serves as a practical demonstration of optical
principles learned in the classroom and highlights the significance of
precise measurements in scientific investigations. It also provides a
deeper understanding of how light interacts with materials, a concept
that is critical in various fields, from designing optical devices to
developing new materials in industries like telecommunications, medical
imaging, and lens manufacturing.
In addition to demonstrating key optical properties, this project
introduces students to the real-world applications of refraction.
Measuring the refractive index is important in fields such as chemistry,
where the refractive index can help identify substances or determine
their purity. In optics and photonics, the refractive index is crucial in
designing lenses, cameras, and other optical systems that rely on
controlling and manipulating light.
In conclusion, this project aims to measure and analyze the refractive
indices of various liquids using a hollow prism, with a focus on
understanding how light behaves when transitioning between different
mediums. Through careful observation and precise measurement, we
gain valuable insights into the optical properties of these liquids and the
role of refractive indices in both scientific research and practical
applications.

APPARATUS:
• Hollow glass prism
• Drawing board
• Pins
• Meter scale
• Protractor
• Sheets of white paper
 • Various liquids
1. a)Water
2. b) Vinegar
3. c)Vegetable Oil

Theory
Introduction to Refraction and Refractive Index
Refraction is a phenomenon in which the path of light changes as it
passes from one medium to another due to a difference in the speed of
light in the two mediums. This change in direction occurs because light
travels at different speeds depending on the optical density of the
material. For example, light moves faster in air compared to water or
glass. The refractive index (n) of a medium is a dimensionless number
that represents how much the light bends when it enters a medium. It is
calculated using Snell’s Law:
The refractive index is also defined as the ratio of the speed of light in a
vacuum (c) to its speed in the medium (v):

When light passes from a less dense medium (such as air) to a denser
medium (such as water or glass), it slows down, causing the light to
bend towards the normal. Conversely, when light passes from a denser to
a less dense medium, it speeds up and bends away from the normal. This
bending of light is what enables lenses, prisms, and optical instruments
to focus and manipulate light.

Concept of Prisms
A prism is a transparent optical element with flat, polished surfaces that
refract light. Typically made from glass, plastic, or other transparent
materials, prisms are designed to break light up into its constituent
spectral colors (dispersion) or to change the direction of light. The
classic triangular prism disperses white light into a spectrum of colors,
which is a direct consequence of the wavelength dependency of the
refractive index—different colors (wavelengths) of light bend by
different amounts when passing through the prism.
The behavior of light in a prism is governed by the angles of incidence,
refraction, and deviation. When light enters the prism, it refracts
according to Snell’s Law. As it exits the prism, it refracts again, causing
the light to emerge at an angle to its original direction. The total bending
of light as it passes through the prism is known as the angle of
deviation. The minimum deviation occurs when the light passes
symmetrically through the prism, making the path of light inside the
prism parallel to the base.
For a hollow prism filled with liquid, the refractive index of the liquid
can be determined by measuring the angle of incidence (iii) and the
angle of deviation (DDD). The refractive index is then calculated using
the following formula, which is derived from the geometry of the prism
and Snell's Law:
Principle of Minimum Deviation
The angle of minimum deviation is a crucial concept in prism
experiments. It occurs when the light ray passes symmetrically through
the prism, meaning that the angles of incidence and emergence are
equal. At this point, the light travels through the shortest possible path
inside the prism, and the deviation of the light is minimized. This
condition simplifies the relationship between the refractive index and the
angle of deviation, making it easier to determine the refractive index of
the liquid inside the prism.
The principle of minimum deviation is important because it allows for a
more accurate measurement of the refractive index. By carefully
adjusting the incident angle to achieve this minimum deviation, we can
reduce experimental errors and obtain precise results.

Application of Previous Knowledge and Concepts

Understanding refraction and the behavior of prisms is grounded in basic
principles of optics, which are typically introduced in earlier studies of
physics. Concepts like Snell’s Law, the relationship between the speed of
light and refractive index, and the geometric properties of prisms are all
fundamental knowledge in the field of optics.

Previous experiments with solid prisms and refraction through glass or

water have laid the groundwork for this investigation. The hollow prism
technique builds on these principles by extending the ability to measure
refractive indices to liquids, which adds an additional layer of
complexity. Liquids have varying refractive indices based on their
molecular structure, which affects how light propagates through them.
This project applies prior knowledge of ray diagrams, the laws of
reflection and refraction, and the mathematical relationship between
angles and refractive indices to determine how light interacts with
liquids in a controlled setting. By using a hollow prism, we can isolate
the effects of different liquids on light behavior and draw comparisons
with theoretical values for refractive indices.

Experimental Concepts Applied

This experiment relies on precise measurement techniques to observe
how light behaves when passing through different liquids in the hollow
prism. The experiment measures angles of incidence and deviation,
compares them with known theoretical values, and applies mathematical
formulas to compute the refractive indices. These indices provide insight
into the optical properties of the liquids being tested.
The practical application of the experiment demonstrates how theoretical
concepts are translated into real-world measurements. The refractive
index is a critical property in many scientific and industrial applications,
from the design of lenses and optical fibers to the development of new
materials for electronics and medicine. Understanding the refractive
index of various liquids can also inform chemical composition analysis
and quality control processes in industrial settings.

Procedure
The following steps outline the experimental process to determine the
refractive indices of various liquids using a hollow prism. The
experiment involves measuring the angle of deviation of light passing
through the liquid-filled prism and using this information to calculate the
refractive index of each liquid.
1. Preparation of the Setup:
• Gather all necessary materials: Ensure that you have all the
required apparatus for the experiment, including the hollow glass
prism, liquids (such as water, benzaldehyde, and diluted sulfuric
acid), a light source (preferably monochromatic light or a laser),
drawing pins, a drawing board, a white sheet of paper, a protractor,
a pencil, and a ruler.
• Fix the paper on the drawing board: Place a white sheet of paper
on the drawing board and secure it using drawing pins. This will
serve as the workspace for drawing ray diagrams and marking
points.
2. Outline the Prism:
• Place the hollow prism on the paper: Position the hollow prism
on the paper and trace its outline as a triangle (labeled ABC). The
outline will be used to accurately place the prism during the
experiment.
• Fill the prism with the liquid: Carefully fill the hollow prism
with one of the liquids, ensuring that there are no air bubbles
inside. Make sure the liquid is evenly distributed within the prism
and the surfaces are clean.

3. Mark the Normal and Incident Ray:

• Draw the normal line: From one of the faces of the prism (AB),
draw a normal line (a perpendicular) at a point P, where the light
ray will enter the prism. Label this line as PQ.
 • Draw the incident ray: Using a protractor, draw an incident ray at
an angle of 30° to the normal PQ. This angle will vary in
subsequent trials, but 30° is the starting angle. Place two drawing
pins along this incident ray so that they form a straight line.
4. Place the Prism and Measure the Emergent Ray:
• Position the prism on the outline: Place the hollow prism, now
filled with the liquid, back on the previously marked outline ABC.
• Align the emergent ray: On the opposite face of the prism (AC),
place two more drawing pins such that all four pins (two on the
incident ray and two on the emergent ray) appear to be in a straight
line when viewed through the prism. This ensures that the path of
the light is properly aligned.
5. Draw the Ray Diagram:
• Remove the prism and connect the points: After marking the
positions of the drawing pins, carefully remove the prism. Using a
ruler, draw a straight line connecting the two points on the incident
ray and another line connecting the two points on the emergent ray.
• Extend the lines: Extend both the incident and emergent rays until
they meet inside the prism. The angle between these two lines
represents the angle of deviation (DDD).

6. Measure the Angles:

 • Measure the angle of deviation: Using a protractor, measure the
angle of deviation between the incident ray and the emergent ray.
This angle represents how much the light has bent as it passed
through the liquid in the prism.
• Repeat for different angles of incidence: Repeat the procedure by
changing the angle of incidence to 35°, 40°, 45°, and so on, and
measure the corresponding angle of deviation for each trial.
7. Repeat for Different Liquids:
• Clean and refill the prism: After completing the measurements
for the first liquid, empty the prism and clean it thoroughly. Then,
refill it with the second liquid (e.g., benzaldehyde) and repeat the
entire process.
• Record all observations: Record the angles of incidence and the
corresponding angles of deviation for each liquid in a table for
later analysis.
8. Calculation of Refractive Index:
• After completing the experiment for all liquids, use the collected
data (angles of incidence and deviation) to calculate the refractive
index for each liquid using the formula:
9. Repeat for Consistency:
• Perform multiple trials: To ensure accuracy, repeat the entire
experiment multiple times for each liquid. Take several readings
for each angle of incidence and calculate the average values for
both the angle of deviation and the refractive index.
10. Analyze and Compare the Results:
• Compare experimental and theoretical values: Once the
refractive indices for all liquids have been calculated, compare
your experimental results with the known theoretical values from
literature. This comparison will help assess the accuracy of your
experiment.
• Identify possible sources of error: Reflect on any discrepancies
between the experimental and theoretical values, and identify
potential sources of error, such as inaccuracies in angle
measurements, impurities in the liquids, or temperature
variations.
 Observation
• Vinegar
S.no a º(angle of prism) i º (angle of incidence) d º (angle of deviation)

1 60 35° 26°
2 60 40° 25°
3 60 45° 23.3°
4 60 50° 25°
5 60 55° 27°

U=sin((60+25.26)/2)/sin(45)
= 1.504

• Water
S.no a º(angle of prism) i º (angle of incidence) d º (angle of deviation)

1 60 30 25
2 60 35 22
3 60 40 20
4 60 45 22
5 60 50 25
6 60 55 28

U=sin((60+22)/2)/sin(30)
= 1.306

• Vegetable Oil
S.no a º(angle of prism) i º (angle of incidence) d º (angle of deviation)

1 60 35° 49°
2 60 40° 39°
3 60 45° 34°
4 60 50° 36°
5 60 55° 39°

U=sin((60+25)/2)/sin(30)
= 1.351
 Precautions
• Ensure proper alignment of the prism and pins: The pins must
be aligned accurately in a straight line to trace the correct path of
light through the prism.

• Handle liquids carefully: Some liquids (e.g., sulfuric acid) may

be corrosive or hazardous. Handle them with care and use
appropriate safety equipment like gloves.

• Maintain cleanliness: Ensure the surfaces of the prism are clean

and free of smudges to avoid any distortion in light refraction.

• Avoid air bubbles in the liquid: When filling the prism with
liquids, ensure that no air bubbles are trapped inside, as they could
affect the accuracy of the results.
• Measure angles precisely: Use a protractor accurately when
measuring the angles of incidence and deviation to minimize
errors.