Investigative studies of refractive indices of liquids and a demonstration of refraction by the use of a laser pointer and a lazy Susan

We describe the design of a simple homemade apparatus for the measurement of the refractive indices of liquids and demonstration of refraction. A circular transparent plastic tank and a lazy Susan are held concentrically. A laser pointer is mounted on the lazy Susan with its laser beam pointing radially through the centre of the plastic tank. Experimental values obtained for the refractive indices of various liquids agree reasonably well with the literature values. A number of investigative studies suitable for high school students to undergraduates are suggested. © IOP Publishing Ltd.link_to_subscribed_fulltex