Leybold Refraction Apparatus - Physics Demonstrations - Leybold Refraction Apparatus | Physics Undergraduate Labs

Keep the transformer and lamp connections away from the water-filled vessel. Ensure all electrical connections are secure before adding water to the apparatus.

Purpose

Visualizes Snell's Law at a flat water-air interface. The multi-slit diaphragm shows refraction, the critical angle, and total internal reflection simultaneously across a range of incidence angles.

$Side view of Leybold refraction apparatus: lamp housing on stand behind a water-filled glass vessel containing a disk, with red-corded transformer on the bench$

$Front view of Leybold refraction apparatus showing multiple light rays fanning upward from the disk through water, refracting as they exit at the water-air surface$

Figure 1: Side view showing the 6V lamp positioned behind the water-filled glass vessel with the diaphragm disk visible inside.

Figure 2: Front view with multi-slit diaphragm: rays near normal refract slightly; rays at larger angles bend dramatically; rays beyond the critical angle reflect back into the water.

Safety Warnings

Warning: Electrical Safety

Purpose