REFLECTION AND REFRACTION

Hardianti Medi, Nurasia, Nur Alam Jamaluddin

ICP B of Physics Department 2015
Abstract
Have been performed experiments about reflection and refraction which aim to know the behavior
of light on the events of reflection and refraction, and determine the refractive index material. The
experiment was conducted as many as five activities, the first activity is determine focus distance
of the concave and convex mirror by using 4 gap, focal distance is obtained for concave mirror |
7.40 0.05 | cm, and convex mirror | 5,20 0.05 | cm. The second activity is privileged rays on
concave and convex mirrors by using single gap, from observations privileged rays on concave
and convex mirrors are in accordance with theory. The third activity is the formation of flat mirror
images, obtained from experimental characteristic of a flat mirror is a shadow of the mirror
distance equal to the distance of the object from mirror, image formed by mirror upright and as
large as the object. The fourth activity is the refraction of the glass parallel plan, results of data
analysis obtained refractive index of light coming from air to glass at | 1.40 0.06 |, | 1.33 0.04 |,
| 1 , 90 0.07 |, | 1.50 0.02 |, | 1.30 0.02 | and | 1.20 0.02 |. And the refractive index of light
coming from the glass into the air by | 1,0 0,1 |, | 0.89 0.03 |, | 0.52 0.02 |, | 0.73 0.01 | , |
0.76 0.02 | and | 0.82 0.01 |. And the fifth activities is observed perfect reflection. In this
activity acquired critical angle of 41. From the experimental results, we can conclude that the
experiment has been conducted in accordance with the theory
Keywords : refractive index, focus distance, critical angle, reflection, refraction

PROBLEMS FORMULATION
1. How does the behavior of light in the process of reflection and refraction?
2. What is the great of refractive index of the materials used in the experiment?
OBJECTIVES
1. Able to know the behavior of light in the process of reflection and refraction.
2. Able determine the refractive index of the material.
EXPERIMENTAL METHODOLOGY
Basic Theory
When the wave of any type of a flat barrier such as a mirror, new waves
generated and moving away from the barrier. This phenomenon called reflection.
This reflection occurs at the boundary between two different mediums such as a
glass air surface, in the case where the energy comes partly reflected and partly
transmitted. (Tipler, 2010: 442)
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 marble other marbles (in the event of the
Compton effect). Special to the properties of light as particles are part of a study
in modern physics. In particular the basic physics of optical materials geometry in
this experiment, our primary concern is the nature of light as a wave that can
undergo reflection and refraction alone. In the incident light reflection, we
recognize three kinds of light beams, namely:
1. File parallel light
2. File light gathering (convergent)
3. File a light spread (divergent)
We also know that the reflectance of 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
undergo deflection events. This event is called refraction of light. Many everyday
occurrences described in this refraction principle.
In reflection and deflextion, we have knew absolute refractive index of
medium (n) that defined as deviding of velocity of light in vacum place (c) with
the velocity of light in the medium (v). In mathematically absolute refractive
index of medium can be write down as:
n=

c
v

(1.1)

Beside of absolute refractive index we also knew about relative refractive

index of medium that defined as deviding of absolute refractive index of medium
with the absolute refractive index of another medium. In mathematically absolute
refractive index of medium can be write down as:
n12=

n1 v 1
=
n2 v 2

(1.2)

The law of deflection is the first time said by Willebord Snell (1591) that
can be expressed in mathematical:
n1 sini=n2 sin r

(1.3)

With n1 and n2 are absolute refractive index of medium 1 and medium 2, i is

incoming angle, and r is deflextion angle. (guide, 2015: 39-40).
Equipment list
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Optical table
Light box
Mirror flat, concave mirror and a convex mirror
Proctactor
Rhombus
Paper
Stationery
Ruler

1 piece
1 piece
1 piece
1 piece
1 piece
adequately
2 piece
1 piece

Variable Identification
Activity 1: Focal Length Mirror Concave and Convex Mirror
1. Focus distance (cm)
Activity 4: Refraction in Glass Parallel Plan
1. Angle of incidence (o)
2. Angle of Refraction (o)
Activity 5: Perfect Reflection
1. Angle of Critical (o)
Definition Variable Operation
1. The focal length is the distance focus concave mirror and a convex mirror is
measured by using the rule that has the unit cm.
2. The angle of incidence is meant is the angle formed by the incident light beam
with the normal line. Incidence angle is measured using a protractor which has
units of degrees (o).
3. usual angle in question is the angle formed by the light beam with the normal
line. Angle of refraction was measured by using a protractor which has units of
degrees (o).

4. The critical angle is the angle which is formed by a beam of light with the
normal line to the inclined plane Rhombus. The critical angle is measured
using a protractor with units of degrees (o).
Work Procedures
Activity 1: Focusing distance concave mirror and a convex mirror
a.
b.
c.

Installed successive light source, a positive lens, and diaphragm.

Installed the many loopholes in the diaphragm.
Turned on the light source, and set the position of the positive lens in order to

d.

obtain lines parallel light.

Laid paper and concaved mirror optics on the table right perpendicular to the

e.

direction of the light.

Made a line along the surface of the mirror, and observed the pattern of light

f.

reflection from the mirror.

Provided a dot on a light that comes on the mirror. Eached line of at least two

g.

points, then the points are connected.

Provided a dot on the lines of reflection formed. Eached line of at least two

points, then the points are connected.

h. Measured large concave mirror focusing distance has been done.
i.In the same way the above, repeated every activity by replaced the concave mirror
into a convex mirror.
This is the table which used for draw the result.

Activity 2 : Special rays in a concave mirror and a convex.

a. Changed slit diaphragm with a single slit.
b. Made a concave mirror image, the main axis, and the focal point on a blank
drawing paper.
c. Directed light from the slit to the mirror in accordance with the special rays on
the mirror. Then painted the image is created.

d. In the same way, repeated activity used a convex mirror.

This is the table which used for draw the result.

Activity 3 : The formation of a shadow on the flat mirror

a. Changed the convex mirror with a flat mirror.
b. Draw the right flat mirror surface perpendicular to the direction of the light. The
mirror is placed on a line that has been made. And created object line in front
of a flat mirror.
c. Directed the beam of a single slit to the object and draw a shadow is formed.
d. Determined the nature of the shadow formed from a flat mirror.
This is the table which used for draw the result.

Activity 4 : Refraction in the glass parallel plan

a. Replaced the mirrors used in activities with glass 3 parallel plan
b. Draw glass parallel plan by made a line on any surface
c. Directed the beam on one side of the glass parallel plan (make no beam
perpendicular to the plane parallel glass plan). Provided at least 2 dots on light
rays then connect.
d. Provided at least 2 on the dot of light rays, where the arrival of a beam of light
will go out. Then connected the dot.

e. Made the normal line on each field boundary of the medium, and measured the
f.

angle of incidence and the angle of refraction at the boundary of each medium.
Repeated the same activities with the direction of light is different.
This is the table which used for draw the result.
Light comes from air to glass

No

angle of

angle of

incidence (o)

refraction (o)

The light coming from the glass

into the air
angle of
angle of
incidence (o)

refraction (o)

1
2
3
4
5
Activity 5 : Total Reflection
a. Rhombus laid on an optical table

b. Rhombus rotated clockwise until no light coming out of the Rhombus or light
disappears.
c. Draw Rhombus with follow sides, marked by points A, B and C.
d. Connected points A, and, then point B and C.
e. Large measured the angle of incidence on the boundary surface of the two.
This incident angle is the critical angle.
f. Repeated the same way with different angles.
This is the tabel which used for draw the result.

EXPERIMENT RESULT AND DATA ANALYSIS

Experiment result
Activity 1: Focusing distance concave mirror and a convex mirror
Focusing distance concave mirror

= |7.40 0.05| cm

Focusing distance convex mirror

= |5.20 0.05| cm

Activity 2: Special rays in a concave mirror and a convex.

Table 1. Special rays a concave mirror
No
1
2

Rays coming
Parallel to the main axis
Passing through the focal point
of the mirror

Reflected ray
Passing through the focal point of the
mirror
Parallel to the main axis
Passing through the center point of

Past the center mirror

the mirror or refunded in accordance

with the direction of the

Table 2. Special rays a convex mirror

No
1
2
3

Rays coming
Parallel to the main axis
Towards the focal point of the
mirror
Towards the center point mirror

Reflected ray
As if returned from the focal point of
the mirror
Parallel to the main axis
Restored in accordance with the
direction of the

Activity 3: The formation of a flat mirror images

No
1
2
3

The nature of the shadow

Shadows that occur are not as large as the object
Shadows that occur are not the same upright with objects
Object distance is not the same as the distance shadows

Activity 4. Refraction in the glass parallel plan

Light comes from air to glass

N
Angle of

Angle of

incidence (o)

refraction (o)

Light coming from the

glass into the air
Angle of
Angle of
incidence (o)

refraction (o)

|17.0 0,5|

|16.0 0,5|

|16.0 0,5|

|17.0 0,5|

|26.0 0,5|

|23.0 0,5|

|23.0 0,5|

|26.0 0,5|

|39.0 0,5|

|19.0 0,5|

|19.0 0,5|

|39.0 0,5|

|55.0 0,5|

|37.0 0,5|

|37.0 0,5|

|55.0 0,5|

|60.0 0,5|

|41.0 0,5|

|41.0 0,5|

|60.0 0,5|

|60.0 0.5|

|45.0 0.5|

|45.0 0.5|

|60.0 0.5|

Activity 5: Total Reflection

The refractive index of the medium
n1 = 1
n2 = 1.5
Critical angle = 41
Analysis of data
Activity 4. Refraction in the glass parallel plan
n2=
n2

sin 1
sin 2

1
= sin 1 . sin 2

n2 =

||

n2
n
1 + 2 2
1
2

sin 2 2 2
cos 2
n2 = cos 1 .sin1 2 1 +
sin 1

n2 cos 1. sin 2 1
=
n2
sin 1 . sin 1 2

sin 2 2 2

cos 2
sin 1

sin2 2 2

cos 2

n2 cos 1
=
1 +
n2
sin 1

|
|

n2 =

|
| |

cos 1
1
sin 1

cos 2
2 n2
sin 2

1
1
tan 1

| |

1
2 n2
tan 2

n2 =

for

0,5
3,14=0,0087 rad
180

For the light comes from air to glass

1. n1 sin 1=n2 sin 2
1sin 17 =n2 sin 16
0.29=n2 0.28
n2 =

0.29
=1.04
0.28

n2 =

| |

1
1
tan 1

1
2 n2
tan 2

|tan117 0.0087|+| tan116 0.0087|1.04

n2 =

0.0087
+|
1.04
|0.0087
|
0.31
0.29 |

n2 =

n2 =|0.028+0.03|1.04

 n2 =|0.058|1.04
n2 =0.06
n2
0.06
100 =
100 =5.8
n2
1.04

RE =

DC = 100% RE = 100% 5.8% = 94.2%

PR = |1.04 0.06|

2.

n1 sin 1=n2 sin 2

1sin 26 =n2 sin23
0.44=n2 0.39
n2 =

0.44
=1.128
0.39

n2 =

| |

1
1
tan 1

1
2 n2
tan 2

|tan126 0.0087|+|tan123 0.0087|1.128

n2 =

0.0087
+|
1.128
|0.0087
|
0.49
0.42 |

n2 =

n2 =|0.018+0.021|1.128
n2 =|0.039|1.128

n2 =0.044
RE =

n2
0.044
100 =
100 =3.9
n2
1.128

DC = 100% RE = 100% 3.9% = 96.1%

PR = |1.13 0.04|
3.

n1 sin 1=n2 sin 2

1sin 39 =n2 sin 19

0.63=n2 0.33
n2 =

0.63
=1.9
0.33

n2 =

| |

1
1
tan 1

1
2 n2
tan 2

|tan139 0.0087|+| tan191 0.0087|1.9

n2 =

0.0087
+
1.9
|0.0087
0.8 | | 0.34 |

n2 =

n2 =|0.01+0.026|1.9
n2 =|0.036|1.9

n2 =0.0684
n2
0.0684
100 =
100 =3.6
n2
1.9

RE =

DC = 100% RE = 100% 3.6

PR
4.

= 96.4%

|1.90 0.07|

n1 sin 1=n2 sin 2

1sin 55 =n2 sin 37
0.82=n2 0.60
n2=

0.82
=1.4
0.60

n2 =

| |

1
1
tan 1

1
2 n2
tan 2

|tan155 0.0087|+| tan137 0.0087|1.4

n2 =

0.0087
+|
1.4
|0.0087
|
1.43
0.75 |

n2 =

n2 =|0.006+0.0116|1.4
n2 =|0.0176|1.4

n2 =0.0246
n2
0.0246
100 =
100 =1.8
n2
1.4

RE =

DC = 100% RE = 100% 1.8% = 98.2%

PR = |1.50 0.02|
5.

n1 sin 1=n2 sin 2

1sin 60 =n2 sin 41
0.87=n2 0.66
n2=

0.87
=1.3
0.66

n2 =

| |

1
1
tan 1

1
2 n2
tan 2

|tan160 0.0087|+| tan141 0.0087|1.3

n2 =

0.0087
+|
1.3
|0.0087
|
1.73
0.87 |

n2 =

n2 =|0.005+0.01|1.3

n2 =|0.015|1.3
n2 =0.0195

 n2
0.0195
100 =
100 =1.5
n2
1.3

RE =

DC = 100% RE = 100% 1.5% = 98.5%

PR = |1.30 0.02|

6.

n1 sin 1=n2 sin 2

1sin 60 =n2 sin 45
0.87=n2 0.71
n2=

0.87
=1.2
0.71

n2 =

| |

1
1
tan 1

1
2 n2
tan 2

|tan160 0.0087|+| tan145 0.0087|1.2

n2 =

0.0087
+
1.2
|0.0087
0.73 | | 1 |

n2 =

n2 =|0.012+0.0087|1.2

n2 =|0.0207|1.2
n2 =0.0248
RE =

n2
0.0248
100 =
100 =2.1
n2
1.2

DE = 100% RE = 100% 2.1% = 97.9%

PR

= |1.20 0.02|

For the light coming from the glass into the air
1. n1 sin 1=n2 sin 2
1sin 16 =n2 sin 17

0.28=n2 0.29
n2=

0.28
=0.96
0.29

n2 =

| |

1
1
tan 1

1
2 n2
tan 2

|tan116 0.0087|+| tan117 0.0087|0.96

n2 =

0.0087
+|
0.96
|0.0087
|
0.29
0.31 |

n2 =

n2 =|0.03+0.028|0.96
n2 =|0.059|0.96

n2 =0.0557
n2
0.0557
100 =
100 =5.8
n2
0.96

RE =

DC = 100% RE = 100% 5.8% = 94.2%

PR
2.

= |1.0 0.1|

n1 sin 1=n2 sin 2

1sin 23 =n2 sin 26
0.39=n2 0.44
n2 =

0.39
=0.89
0.44

n2 =

| |

1
1
tan 1

1
2 n2
tan 2

|tan123 0.0087|+| tan126 0.0087|0.89

n2 =

0.0087
+|
0.89
|0.0087
|
0.42
0.49 |

n2 =

n2 =|0.021+0.018|0.89
n2 =|0.039|0.89

n2 =0.0347
n2
0.0347
100 =
100 =3.9
n2
0.89

RE =

DC = 100% RE = 100% 3.9% = 96.1%

PR = |0.89 0.03|
3.

n1 sin 1=n2 sin 2

1sin 19 =n2 sin 39
0.33=n2 0.63
n2 =

0.33
=0.52
0.63

n2 =

| |

1
1
tan 1

1
2 n2
tan 2

|tan119 0.0087|+| tan391 0.0087|0.52

n2 =

0.0087
+|
0.52
|0.0087
|
0.34
0.81 |

n2 =

n2 =|0.026+0.011|0.52

n2 =|0.037|0.52
n2 =0.019
RE =

n2
0.019
100 =
100 =3.6
n2
0.52

DC = 100% RE = 100% 3.6

= 96.4%

PR = |0.52 0.02|
4.

n1 sin 1=n2 sin 2

1sin 37 =n2 sin55
0.60=n2 0.82
n2=

0.60
=0.73
0.82

n2 =

| |

1
1
tan 1

1
2 n2
tan 2

|tan137 0.0087|+|tan155 0.0087|0.73

n2 =

0.0087
+|
0.73
|0.0087
|
0.75
1.43 |

n2 =

n2 =|0.012+0.006|0.73

n2 =|0.018|0.73
n2 =0.0131
RE =

n2
0.0131
100 =
100 =1.8
n2
0.73

DC = 100% RE = 100% 1.8% = 98.2%

PR = |0.73 0.01|

5.

n1 sin 1=n2 sin 2

1sin 41 =n2 sin 60
0.66=n2 0.87
n2 =

0.66
=0.76
0.87

n2 =

| |

1
1
tan 1

1
2 n2
tan 2

|tan141 0.0087|+|tan160 0.0087|0.76

n2 =

0.0087
+|
0.76
|0.0087
|
0.87
1.73 |

n2 =

n2 =|0.01+0.011|0.76
n2 =|0.021|0.76

n2 =0.016
n2
0.016
100 =
100 =2.1
n2
0.76

RE =

DC = 100% RE = 100% 2.1% = 97.9%

PR = |0.76 0.02|
6.

n1 sin 1=n2 sin 2

1sin 45 =n2 sin 60
0.71=n2 0.87
n2=

0.71
=0.82
0.87

n2 =

| |

1
1
tan 1

1
2 n2
tan 2

|tan145 0.0087|+|tan160 0.0087|0.82

n2 =

0.0087
+|
0.82
|0.0087
|
1
1.73 |

n2 =

n2 =|0.0087+0.005| 0.82

 n2 =|0.0137|0.82
n2 =0.011
n2
0.011
100 =
100 =1.3
n2
0.82

RE =

DC = 100% RE = 100% 1.3% = 98.7%

PR

= |0.82 0.01|

Activity 5. Total reflection

Calculate the magnitude of critical angle
1= n 2 sin 2
n1 sin
1= 1 sin 90
1,5 sin
1 =1
1,5 sin
1
1,5
sin

1=

1= Arc sin

1
1,5

1= Arc sin 0,67

1=41

DISCUSSION
In the reflection and refraction experiment, there are five activities that
have been performed. The first activity is to determine the focus distance of the
concave mirror and a convex mirror. From the experimental results, obtained

focus distance is 5.20 cm concave mirror and the convex mirror focus distance is
7,40 cm. In this activity we use four gaps that produce rays, and then to determine
the distance of the focus we decide on the principle of privileged rays in a concave
mirror and a convex mirror is to look at the intersection between the reflected rays
converge at one point.
The second activity is to determine the privileged rays in a concave mirror
and a convex mirror. In this activity, we used single slit to easier for us to making
observations. The results obtained in these activities are in accordance with the
theory, where the privileged rays in a concave mirror is incident ray parallel to the
main axis will be reflected through the focal point, the light coming through the
focal point will be reflected parallel to the main axis, and the light coming through
the center of curvature will be reflected through that point as well. privileged rays
on convex mirror is incident ray parallel to the main axis is reflected as if through
a point of focus, as if the light comes through the focal point is reflected parallel
to the main axis, and the light came as if through the center of curvature of the
mirror will be reflected back is as if through the center of curvature of the mirror
as well.
The third activity is determining characteristic a flat mirror images. In this
activity, we also used single gap. The results obtained are in accordance with the
theory, where the shadows into the mirror where the distance equal to the distance
of the object to the mirror, the image formed by the mirror is upright, the image
formed by a mirror as large as the object, and the image formed by the mirror is
virtual.
The fourth activity is the refraction of the glass parallel plan. In this
activity, we are changing the position or angle change plan parallel glass for 6
times. So that the results of the data analysis has been performed, acquired the
refractive index of light coming from air to glass at | 1.40 0.06 |, | 1.33 0.04 |, |
1.90 0.07 |, | 1.50 0.02 |, | 1.30 0.02 | and | 1.20 0.02 |. And the refractive
index of light coming from the glass into the air by | 1,0 0,1 |, | 0.89 0.03 |, |
0.52 0.02 |, | 0.73 0.01 | , | 0.76 0.02 | and | 0.82 0.01 |. The result was
close to the theoretical value, wherein the glass refractive index of 1.5. It is

causing this experiment does not prove the refractive index of glass is influenced
by several factors such inadvertence by the practitioner, giving a point on the
beam does not match the bright spots in the rays, the error in the measurement of
angles, and others.
The fifth activity is a perfect reflection observed by using different
medium is air medium refractive index by 1 and a medium glass in the form of
Rhombus who refractive index of 1.5. From the experimental results, obtained by
critical angle of 41. This is in accordance with the theory that critical angle in
total reflection at 41.
CONCLUSION
Based on experiments about reflection and refraction, it can be concluded
that:
1. The behavior of light on the events that reflection and refraction of light will
experience refraction when passing through two different mediums refractive
index, and when the light comes from a less dense medium to a more dense
medium then deflected rays approaching the normal line. Vice versa, the rays
coming from the more dense medium to less dense medium, the beam is
deflected away from the normal line. And the light will undergo total reflection
if the angle of refraction is formed by 90.
2. As for the great refractive index glass material parallel plan used in the
experiment is about 1.5.
SUGGESTION
1. For the assistants, should accompany the practitioner when the practicum is in
progress.
2. For the practitioner should be more careful in doing experiments in order to
obtain more accurate results.
REFERENCES

Tim Penyusun. 2015. Penuntun Praktikum Fisika Dasar 2. Makassar: Jurusan

Fisika FMIPA UNM.
Tipler, Paul A. 2001. Fisika untuk Sains dan Teknik Edisi Ketiga Jilid 2
(Terjemahan). Jakarta: Erlangga