Исчезающий стакан (совмещение показателей преломления)

Делаем стеклянный предмет невидимым, погружая его в жидкость с одинаковым показателем преломления

Classroom Demonstrations Beginner (Middle School) 15 мин ~$8,00

Цель

Продемонстрировать концепцию показателя преломления, делая стеклянный предмет невидимым в жидкости с совпадающим показателем преломления.

Предпосылки

We see transparent objects like glass because light bends (refracts) at the surface where the glass meets air. The degree of bending depends on the difference in refractive index between the two media. If a glass object is placed in a liquid with the same refractive index, light passes through without bending, and the object becomes effectively invisible. Pyrex glass (n ≈ 1.474) nearly matches vegetable oil (n ≈ 1.47), creating a stunning visual effect.

Предупреждения по безопасности

  • Vegetable oil is slippery — clean up spills immediately to prevent falls
  • Glass objects can break — handle with care

Требуемые СИЗ

goggles

Материалы

  • Vegetable oil (or glycerol) (500 mL)
    Refractive index ≈ 1.47
  • Pyrex glass beaker or rod (1)
    To disappear
  • Regular glass rod (1)
    For comparison (different n)

Оборудование

Large glass beaker (1 L) or clear container

Процедура

1

Fill the large beaker about 2/3 full with vegetable oil.

2 мин
2

Show the Pyrex glass object to the audience. Note that it is clearly visible in air.

1 мин
3

Slowly lower the Pyrex glass into the vegetable oil. As it submerges, it gradually becomes invisible.

3 мин Lower gently to avoid splashing
4

For comparison, lower the regular glass rod into the same oil. It remains visible because its refractive index does not match.

3 мин
5

Discuss: light refracts at boundaries between materials with different refractive indices. When n values match, no refraction occurs and the object seems to disappear.

6 мин

Ожидаемые результаты

The Pyrex glass becomes nearly invisible when submerged in vegetable oil. Only slight distortions at the edges may be visible. The regular glass rod remains clearly visible in the same oil.

Уборка

Remove glass objects and wash with dish soap. Oil can be saved for reuse or disposed of in general waste. Wipe up any oil spills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the objective of Исчезающий стакан (совмещение показателей преломления)?
Продемонстрировать концепцию показателя преломления, делая стеклянный предмет невидимым в жидкости с совпадающим показателем преломления.
How difficult is Исчезающий стакан (совмещение показателей преломления)?
This experiment is rated as Beginner (Middle School). It takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
What safety precautions are needed for Исчезающий стакан (совмещение показателей преломления)?
Key safety precautions include: Vegetable oil is slippery — clean up spills immediately to prevent falls; Glass objects can break — handle with care.
What materials are needed for Исчезающий стакан (совмещение показателей преломления)?
The main materials required are: Vegetable oil (or glycerol), Pyrex glass beaker or rod, Regular glass rod.
What results should I expect from Исчезающий стакан (совмещение показателей преломления)?
The Pyrex glass becomes nearly invisible when submerged in vegetable oil. Only slight distortions at the edges may be visible. The regular glass rod remains clearly visible in the same oil.