REFLACTION AND REFRACTION

Ayunita Alfiani*) Irdayani Hamid, Rifaatul Mahmudah

Physics Education ICP A
Laboratory of fundamental physics department of physics
UNIVERSITAS NEGERI MAKASSAR
Abstract
Have done an experiment reflection and refraction. The objective of this experiment is we can
understand behavior of light on the events of reflection and refraction, and we also can determine the refractive
index of the material. In this experiment there are five activities undertaken, the first activity is the focus
distance of the concave mirror and a convex mirror, the second activity is a special x-rays in a concave mirror
and a convex mirror, the third activity is the formation of a shadow on a flat mirror, the fourth activity is the
refraction in the glass parallel plan, and activities of the fifth is a perfect reflection. Based on experiments that
have been done shows that the focus distance mirror concave | 5.10 0.05 | cm in front of a mirror and a convex
mirror focus distance | 5.20 0.05 | cm is behind the mirror. The refractive index of glass is obtained

n2=|1,3 0,3|,|1,4 0,5|,|1,1 0,3| ,|1,2 0,2|,|1,4 0,2||1,1 0,2| , and large critical angle
obtained for Rhombus by

=|41,00 0,05| .

Keywords : recractive index, critical angle.

PROBLEM STATEMENT
1. How is the behavior of light in the event of reflection and refraction?
2. How is determine the refractive index of the material?
OBJECTIVE
1. Understand

the behavior of light in the event of reflection and refraction

2. Determine the refractive index of the material

METHODOLOGY OF EXPERIMENT
short theory
Light is a form of electromagnetic waves that have ambiguous nature. On the one hand light
is a wave, but on the other hand have a light as a particle properties. One of the properties of light as a
wave is able to experience the reflection (reflection) while one is the particle nature of light as light
can undergo collision events as well as a striking marbles other marbles (in the event of the Compton
effect). In the incident light reflection, we recognize three kinds of light beams, namely:
1. Parallel light beam

2. Collects the light beam (convergent)

3. Light beam spread (divergent)
We also know that in reflection light reflection that there are two kinds: regular light reflection and
diffuse light reflectance (diffuse). When light propagates on the boundary of two media, the
propagation of the light will under go deflection events. This event is called refraction of light.
In the discussion of the reflection and refraction of light, we know the term absolute refractive index
of a medium (n) which is defined as the ratio of the rapid propagation of light in a vacuum (c) of the
rapid propagation of light in the medium (v). Mathematically absolute refractive index of the medium
n is written as follows:

n=

c
v

In addition to the absolute refractive index we also know the relative refractive index of a medium is
defined as the ratio of the absolute refractive index of the medium is the absolute refractive index of
the medium to another. Mathematically, it is defined as follows:

n12=

n1 v 1
=
n2 v 2

Refraction law was first put forward by Willebord Snell (1591) which can be expressed in a
mathematical statement:

n1 sini=n2 sin r where n1 and n is the absolute refractive index of the medium 1 and medium
2
2, i is the angle of incidence, and r is the angle of refraction. (Herman, 2015: 39-40).
The

basic

concept

of

Snell's

law

of

refraction

of

light

is

divided

into

two.

Snell's law reads "Light comes, refracted ray and the normal line lies in one plane".
Snell's Law II reads "If the light comes from a less dense medium to a denser medium (eg: from air to
water or from udra to glass), then steered the beam in approaching the normal line. If instead, the rays
coming from the more dense medium to a less dense medium then steered away from light in the
normal line (Tipler, 1991: 446-447).
When light passes from one medium to another, most of the light is reflected on the border come. The
remainder passing to the new medium. If a beam of light coming form an angle to the surface (not
only perpendicular), the beam is deflected at the time of entering a new medium. This deflection is
called refraction. The relationship between q1 and q2 analytical found experimentally in about 1621

by Willebrord Snell (1591-1626). This relationship is known as the law of Snell and written:

n1 sin q1 = n2 sin q2
is the incidence angle is the angle of refraction (both measured on a line perpendicular to the surface
between the two media) n 1 and n2 are the refractive indices of the materials. The files come and
refractive are on the same plane, which also includes a line perpendicular to the surface. Snell's law is
the basic law of refraction. Obviously from Snell's law that if n2 > n1, so q2 > q1,, meaning that if
light enters a medium where n is greater (and its speed is smaller), the light beam is deflected toward
normal. And if n2 > n1, so q2 > q1,, so that the beam is deflected away from the normal. (Douglas

C. Giancoli, 2001: 243-259).

Equipment list
1. 1 piece Optical Table
2. 1 piece Light Box
3. 1 piece Optical Rel
4. 1 piece Positive Lens
5. 2 pieces Various slit
6. 1 piece Mirror flat, concave mirror and a convex mirror
7. 1 piece Protractor
8. 1 piece Ruler
9. 1 piece Beams plan parallel glass
10. 1 piece Rhombus
11. 8 pieces Paper folio
Identification of variables and operational definitions of variables
In experiments where the measurement is performed only variable in this lab can not be
classified as a significant between the response variable, variable manipulation, and control
variables.
Work Procedures
Activity 1: focal length concave mirror and a convex mirror
1. Installed successive light source, a positive lens and aperture on the optical rail, then
place the optical table right in front of diaphragm.
2. Installed gap (4 slit) on the diaphragm.
3. The light source is turned on, and adjust the position of the positive lens in order to
obtain lines parallel light.
4. Placed paperwork and concave mirror right above the optical table perpendicular to
the direction of the light.
5. Created a line along the surface of the mirror, and observe the pattern of light
reflection from the mirror.

6. Given the dot in the light that comes on the mirror. Each line of at least two points,
then connect the dots.
7. Given the dot in the reflective stripes formed. Each line of at least two point. Then
connect the dots.
8. Measured large

concave

mirror

to

focus

the

distance

you

experiment.

9. In the same way, repeated activity using a convex mirror.

Activity 2. Special rays on Mirror Convex and Concave
1. Replaced slit diaphragm with a single slit.
2. Created a concave mirror image, the main axis, and the focal point on a blank paper.
3. Directed light from the slit to the mirror in accordance with the special rays on the
mirror. Painting a picture that has been made.
4. In the same way, repeat the activity using a convex mirror.
Activity 3. Formation of Shadows on the Flat Mirror
1. Replaced your convex mirror with a flat mirror.
2. Drawn flat mirror surfaces precisely perpendicular to the direction of the light. Place
the mirror so right on the line that has been made.
3. Made a picture in front of the mirror line object flat.
4. Directed light from a single slit to the object and the shadow image is formed.
5. Determined nature of the shadow formed from a flat mirror.
Activity 4. Refraction in Glass Parallel Plan
1. Replaced the mirror that you use on glass Activity 3 with a parallel plan.
2. Drawn glass parallel plan to make a line on each surface.
3. Directed beam on one side of the glass parallel plan (for the beam is not perpendicular
to the plane parallel glass plan). Give the exact point on the beam of light (at least two
4.

points).
On the other hand parallel to the side of the coming arrival of a light beam of light

will go out. Given a dot right in this light beam (at least two points).
5. Linked point that has been made
6. Created a normal line at each boundary of the medium, and measuring the angle of
incidence and the angle of refraction at the boundary of each medium.
7. Repeat the same activity with the direction of the rays of different (different incident
angle).
Activity 5: Total Reflection

1. Placed on the table Rhombus optics.

2. Rotated Rhombus clockwise until there is no more light coming out of the side CD Rhombus
or light disappears.

3. Drawn Rhombus by following his side. Mark point A, B, and C.

4. Linked points A and B, then point B and C.
5. Measured large incident angle on the boundary surface 2. The angle of incidence is the
critical angle.

6. Repeat the same way with different angles.

EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS AND DATA ANALYSIS
Observation result
Activity 1. focal length concave mirror and a convex mirror
Concave mirror focusing distance

|5,10 0,05| cm

Convex mirror focal distance

|7,10 0,05| cm

Activity 2. special rays in a concave mirror and a convex

Table 1. Rays Special on Concave Mirror
Directional light beam
Parallel to the main axis
Through the focus point
Through the center of curvature

reflected Direction
Through the focus point
Parallel to the main axis
Through the same point

Table 2. Rays Special on Convex Mirror

Directional light
Parallel to the main axis

Direction of the reflected beam

As if through a focal point

As if through a focal point

As if through the center of curvature

Parallel to the main axis

As if through the center of curvature

was also

Activity 3. The formation of a flat mirror shadow

Table 3. Comparison Between Objects and Shadows On Flat Mirror

Object
Object distance to the mirror for

Shadow
Distance to the mirror reflection of

10,6 0,05cm

10,6 0,05cm

High body of

High shadow of

4,00 0,05cm

4,00 0,05cm

Same upright with shadow

In front of the mirror
Real

Same upright with objects

Behind the mirror
Illusion

Activity 4. Refraction in the glass parallel plan

Table 4. Angle of Incidence and The Angle of Refraction in The Glass Parallel Plan of The
Glass Into The Air and From Air to Glass
Nu

Light comes from air to glass

The light coming from the glass into

the air

angle of

angle of

angle of incidence

angle of

incidence (0)
|3,00 0,05|

refraction (0)
|4,00 0,05|

(0)
|3,00 0,05|

refraction (0)
|4,00 0,05|

|3,50 0,05|

|2,50 0,05|

|3,50 0,05|

|2,50 0,05|

|4,00 0,05|

|3,50 0,05|

|4,00 0,05|

|3,50 0,05|

|6,00 0,05|

|5,00 0,05|

|6,00 0,05|

|5,00 0,05|

|7,00 0,05|

|5,00 0,05|

|7,00 0,05|

|5,00 0,05|

|8,00 0,05|

|7,00 0,05|

|8,00 0,05|

|7,00 0,05|

Activity 5. Total reflection

The refractive index of the medium

n1=1,5 (glass)
n2=1(air)
Large critical angle i = 41,0 0,5

Data analysis
Activity 4. Refraction in the glass parallel plan
Creep corrected refractive index of glass:
i= n 2 sin r
n 1 sin

n2=

sin i
sin r
1

n2=sin r sin i

| | | |

d n2
dx d n2
=
i+
r
d n 2 d i
d r
d n2=|sin r cos i| i+|sin i cos r| r
1

| |

d n 2 sin r cos i
sin i cos r
=
i +
r
1
n2
sin r sin i
sin1 r sin i

| | |

d n 2 cos i
sin i sin r cos r
=
i +
r
n2
sin i
sin2 r sin i

| | |

d n 2 cos i
cos r
=
i +
r
n2
sin i
sin r

(| | | | )

n2 =

n2 =

1
1
i +
r n2
tan i
tan r

i
r
+
n
tani tan r 2

1. The light coming from air to glass

i=|4,00 0,05| r =|3,00 0,05|
a.
i= n 2 sin r
n 1 sin
4= n 2 sin 3
1sin
1 ( 0,0697 )=n 2( 0,0523)
n2=1,33
n2=1,33
Conversion from degrees to radians
i = r =0,50
0,5 0
3,14=0,0087 rad
180 0
0,0087
+
1,33
( 0,0087
tan 4
tan 4 )

n2 =

0,0087
+
1,33
( 0,0087
0,0699 0,0523 )

n2 =

 n2 =( 0,125+0,166 ) 1,33=0,39
n2
0,39
100 =
100 =29 ( 2 signifcant figure )
n2
1,33

RU =

n2=|1,3 0,3|
b.

i=|3,50 0,05| r=|2,50 0,05|

i= n 2 sin r
n 1 sin
1 0,061 n2 sin 0,044
n2=1,386
0,0087
+
1,386
( 0,0087
tan3,5 tan2,5 )

n2 =

0,0087
+
1,386
( 0,0087
0,061
0,044 )

n2 =

n2 =( 0,143+0,197 ) 1,386=0,47
n2
0,47
100 =
100 =33,9 ( 2 significant figure )
n2
1,386

RU =

n2=|1,4 0,5|

c.

i=|4,00 0,05| r =|3,50 0,05|

i= n 2 sin r
n 1 sin
4= n 2 sin 3,5
1 sin
0,0697=n2 0,061
n2=1,143
0,0087
+
1,143
( 0,0087
tan 4
tan3 )

n2 =

0,0087
+
1,143
( 0,0087
0,0699 0,052 )

n2 =

n2 =( 0,124+0,167 ) 1,143=0,33
RU =

n2
0,33
100 =
100 =28,9 ( 2 significant figure )
n2
1,143

n2=|1,1 0,3|
d.

i=|6,00 0,05| r=|5,00 0,05|

i= n 2 sin r
n 1 sin
6= n2 sin 5
1 sin
0,1045=n2 0,0872
n2=1,198
0,0087
+
1,198
( 0,0087
tan 6
tan5 )

n2 =

0,0087
+
1,198
( 0,0087
0,105 0,0875 )

n2 =

n2 =( 0,0828+0,0994 ) 1,198=0,218
n2
0,218
100 =
100 =18 ( 2 significant figure )
n2
1,198

RU =

n2=|1,2 0,2|

e.

i=|7,00 0,05| r=|5,00 0,05|

i= n 2 sin r
n 1 sin
7= n2 sin 5
1 sin
0,122=n 2 0,0872
n2=1,399
0,0087
+
1,399
( 0,0087
tan 7
tan5 )

n2 =

0,0087
+
1,399
( 0,0087
0,123 0,0875 )

n2 =

n2 =( 0,0707+0,0994 ) 1,399=0,237
RU =

n2
0,237
100 =
100 =16,98 ( 2 significant figure )
n2
1,399

n2=|1,4 0,2|

f.

i=|8,00 0,05| dan r =|7,00 0,05|

i= n 2 sin r
n 1 sin
8= n2 sin 7
1 sin
0,139=n2 0,122
n2=1,139
0,0087
+
1,139
( 0,0087
tan 8
tan7 )

n2 =

0,0087
+
1,139
( 0,0087
0,1405 0,123 )

n2 =

n2 =( 0,0619+0,0707 ) 1,139=0,151
RU =

n2
0,151
100 =
100 =13,25 ( 2 significant figure )
n2
1,139

n2=|1,1 0,2|
For the refractive index of the glass into the air together with from air to glass
Activity 5. Total reflection
i= n2 sin r
n 1 sin

sin i=

n2 sin r
n1

sin i=

n2 sin 90
n1

Unknow:
sin i=

n1=1,5

1
1,5

sin i=0,66
arc 0,66=41

and

n2=1

i=41

DISCUSSION
In this experiment there are five activities. The first activity is the focal distance of the concave mirror
and a convex mirror, the second activity is a special X-rays in a concave mirror and a convex mirror,
the third is the formation of a shadow on a flat mirror, the fourth is on the glass refraction parallel
plan, and activities of the fifth is a perfect reflection . From the first note of activities that focus
distance greater than the convex mirror concave mirror, convex mirror focal distance to be obtained |
7.20 0.05 | cm, and a concave mirror to focus the distance obtained | 5.10 0.05 | cm. For both
events, special rays on concave mirror is if it comes parallel to the axis of the incident light will be
reflected through the main focal point, if the light comes toward the focal point will be reflected
parallel to the main axis, if the light coming through the center of curvature of the mirror will be
reflected in a the same one. For special rays on convex mirror is if the light comes parallel to the main
axis as if reflected through the dot is the focus, if the light comes toward the focal point will be
reflected parallel to the main axis, if the light coming through the center of curvature of light as if
reflected in the same place . For the third activity, the properties of the shadow of a flat mirror is
illusory, upright, the distance to the object is equal to the distance of objects mirror to mirror, and so
on, for the fourth activity, obtained a large refractive index of the glass plan parallel to the light
coming from air to glass namely,

n2=|1,3 0,3| ,

|1,4 0,5| , |1,1 0,3| , |1,2 0,2| ,

|1,4 0,2| , dan |1,1 0,2|.

I Snell's law is "If a light through the border of the two types of liquid, then the original line after line
of the beam is refracted and the normal line refractive point, the third line is located in one plane."
And Snell's law II, "Comparison sine of the angle comes with a sine angle of refraction is always
constant. Constant value is called the index of refraction (n). ". the fifth activity that total reflection
angle of the crisis on rhombus obtained by | 41.0 0.05 |O.

CONCLUSION
1. Light is a wave, light also has particle properties. As the wave nature of light is able to experience
the reflection (reflection), and light as particles are light can undergo collision events. In the event
the reflectance of light, known as the three kinds of light beam is parallel light beam, the beam
collects (convergent), and the beam spread (divergent). In the light reflection, there are two kinds
of reflection that regular light reflection and diffuse light reflectance (diffuse). Propagating light on

the boundary of two media, the propagation of the light will have episodes of deflection, which is
called refraction events.

2. The

refractive

index

of

the

glass

material

obtained

n2=|1,3 0,3|,|1,4 0,5|,|1,1 0,3| ,|1,2 0,2|,|1,4 0,2| dan|1,1 0,2| |

REFERENCE
Herman, dkk.2015. Penuntun Praktikum Fisika Dasar2. Makassar: UNM.
Giancoli. 2001. Physics for scientists & engineers. America: Pearson
Tipler, Paul A. 1991. Fisika untuk Sains dan Teknik Edisi Ketiga Jilid 1. Jakarta: Erlangga