Refraction Index- Invisibility (Mary Eckel)
Author
Mary Eckel
Principle(s) Illustrated
Describes the change of direction of a light wave when the wave moves from one medium (corn oil) to another medium (air).
Standards
Physics 4f. Students know how to identify the characteristic properties of waves: interference (beats), diffraction, refraction, Doppler effect, and polarization.
Questioning Script
Prior knowledge & experience:
Light moves in waves.
The direction of the wave can change based in the medium it is traveling through.
Root question:
Why does the test tube disappear?
Target response
The refraction index is the same for the "magic liquid" (corn oil) and the pyrex glassware.
Common Misconceptions:
The liquid is the same color, that is why the test tube seems to disappear.
The test tube disappears because there is corn oil inside.