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Interactive Simulations for Teaching Physics
Refraction
Authors: Ms. Giselle dos Santos Castro - Federal University of Ceara - UFC
Dr. Nildo Loiola Dias - Federal University of Ceara - UFC
CONTROLS:
- Choose a position for the semicircular object.
- Choose the material of the semicircular object from 6 options.
- Click on the LASER ON button to view the light beam.
- Use the red cursor to change the angle of incidence. The buttons (<) and (>) allow fine control of the angle of incidence.
- Click on the SHOW NORMAL button to view the normal at the point of incidence.
- Click on the PROTRACTOR button to get a protractor that can be dragged to the desired position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SIMULATION:
This simulation allows studying the refraction of light in different materials. The simulated “experimental” arrangement resembles what is normally used in physics teaching laboratories. Position 1 of the semicircular object allows studying the passage of light from a less refractive medium to a more refractive medium and position 2 allows the opposite. In position 1 or in position 2 it is possible to measure the angles of incidence and refraction and thus determine the refractive index of the chosen material. Position 2 allows observing the limit angle and the total reflection.
For an analysis of the data, consult one of the proposed ACTIVITY GUIDE.
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