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Interactive Simulations for Teaching Physics
Refraction in a
Parallel-Faced Slab
Authors: Ms. Giselle dos Santos Castro - Federal University of Ceara - UFC
Dr. Nildo Loiola Dias - Federal University of Ceara - UFC
CONTROLS:
- Choose one of the materials to study: glass, water, glycerin, ruby or material X.
- Click on SHOW RAY to view the incident light ray on the slab.
- Click on SHOW PROTRACTOR/RULER to view the protractor and ruler.
- Click on SHOW NORMAL to visualize the normals to the surfaces (first and second) of the parallel faced slab at the points of incidence of the light beam.
- Click on SHOW EXTENSION to view the extension of the incident ray.
- Use the Angle of Incidence slider to change the angle of incidence.
- Use the Slab Thickness slider to change the slab thickness.
- Use the Rotate Ruler cursor to rotate the ruler.
- Click on the yellow point of the ruler to drag it.
- Click on the protractor to drag it.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SIMULATION:
The simulation allows studying the refraction of light and the lateral deviation of a ray of light that falls on a parallel faced slab. The angle of incidence can be varied. A protractor allows you to measure the angles of incidence and refraction and thus check the refractive index of the chosen material. A ruler allows you to measure the lateral deviation. The study can be carried out for different materials.
For an analysis of the data, consult one of the proposed ACTIVITY GUIDE.
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