Prelab Brief
To trace the path of a ray of light through a rectangular glass slab and measure the lateral displacement.
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Theory
Study the lateral displacement of light passing through a rectangular glass slab. To trace the path of a ray of light through a rectangular glass slab and measure the lateral displacement.
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Formula
Lateral displacement d = t × sin(i−r) / cos(r)
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Aim
To trace the path of a ray of light through a rectangular glass slab and measure the lateral displacement.
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Apparatus
- Rectangular glass slab
- Drawing board
- White paper
- Pins (4)
- Protractor
- Scale / Ruler
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Procedure
- Place the glass slab on white paper and trace its outline.
- Fix two pins P₁ and P₂ on the incident ray side.
- Look through the slab from the other side and fix pins P₃ and P₄ in line with images of P₁ and P₂.
- Remove the slab and join P₃-P₄ to get the emergent ray.
- Draw normals at entry and exit points.
- Measure angle of incidence (i), angle of refraction (r), and lateral displacement (d).
- Repeat for different angles of incidence.
Pre-Lab Questions
What is the main aim of the Lateral Displacement Experiment?
Which principle is demonstrated in the Lateral Displacement Experiment?
What apparatus is required for this experiment?
Why is Rectangular glass slab used in this experiment?
What formula or relationship is verified in this experiment?
What precaution should be followed while performing this experiment?
What conclusion can be drawn from the Lateral Displacement Experiment?