I really need help on this project. I am not asking for all of the answers, I just need someone to explain what I should do for this experiment. And how to make a data table.
Directions:
1. Design an experiment to support the hypothesis that light travels in straight lines
except at the point it enters a new medium.
2. Write experimental procedures using detailed, numbered steps. Do not use
paragraphs. Do not use personal pronouns such as you or I.
a. Incorrect: I will pour 10 mL of water into the graduated cylinder. I will
transfer the water to a separate container. I will shine the light of the
flashlight onto the surface of the water.
b. Correct:
1. Pour 10 mL of water into the graduated cylinder.
2. Transfer the water to a separate container.
3. Shine the light of the flashlight onto the surface of the
water.
3. To plan the experimental procedures, consider the following questions:
a. What materials are needed? (If using the PhET simulation, list which tools
and mediums will be used.)
b. What safety procedures should be followed? (If using the PhET
simulation, safety procedures are unnecessary.)
c. What observations should be made?
i. How will the angle of incidence and the angle of refraction be
measured?
d. What kind of data table is needed? (see example)
4. After writing the procedures and creating a data table, carry out the experiment.
5. Create a lab report with the following sections filled in. Submit a typed copy to the
teacher via drop box:
a. Experimental Question: How does a change in medium affect light?
b. Hypothesis:
c. Materials List:
d. Safety Procedures (if necessary):
e. Experimental Procedures:
f. Data Table:
g. Analysis and Conclusions: (Use the data to explain whether the data
supports the hypothesis. Discuss any circumstances that may have
affected the outcome. Answer the experimental question.)
5 answers
You need to have patience, as you're instructed on the Post a New Question page.
But nothwithstanding that error, you seem to be indicating that at the interface of mediums, light changes paths. You are testing only one interface (eg, what if the medium was constructed so that the index vaied with distance, the light would curve in an arc? (this actually happens in the sea to water waves as depth changes).
Ok, now your work.
Data table:
If you are using a laser source, enter wavelength (yep, color matters).
Incidence/Output angles/Sine Incidence/ Sine Output angles
measure angle to the "normal", that is perpendicular to the interface. You record the data in the two first columns, then use your calculator to compute the sines of the angles for the next two columns, then compute the ratio of Sines of the angles (sine Incidence/sine Output angle)
You should be able to draw a conclusion easily. Many would put the first two columns in a Observation Table, and then the last columns in a "calculations" table. It is OK to do them toghether.