- Sections
- A. General Materials & Mathematics
- B. Statics
- C. Kinematics & Dynamics
- D. Rotational Mechanics
- E. Gravitation & Astronomy
- F. Fluid Mechanics
- G. Vibrations & Mechanical Waves
- H. Sound
- I. Thermodynamics
- J. Electrostatics & Magnetostatics
- K. Electromagnetic Principles
- L. Geometrical Optics
- M. Wave Optics
- N. Spectra & Color
- O. Vision
- P. Modern Physics
L4-02. Refraction - Beer Mug In Water
Purpose
To illustrate how refraction can lead you to believe that you have more beer than you really have.
Equipment
Water tank with mug containing yellow water.
Setup Time
5 minutes.
Images
Description
Due to refraction of the light at the walls of the mug, the mug looks like it has very thin walls and is really filled with beer. When the mug is placed into water, as in the photograph, the real situation becomes apparent: the mug has very thick glass walls, and holds much less beer than you think! Actually, we use yellow water rather than beer for this demonstration. It doesn't taste as good, but it works the same.
References
Michael J. Maloney, Cylindrical lenses and short beers, AJP 43, 741-743 (1975). Robert E. Prigo, Abel Rosales, Richard B. Harding, and Richard Wormsbecher, One Beer for the Price of Two, AJP 47, 744-745,
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See pagesl1. light sources & light rays
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See pagesl2. plane mirrors
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See pagesl3. curved mirrors
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See pagesl4. refraction
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See pagesl5. total internal reflection
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See pagesl6. lenses
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See pagesl7. optical instruments
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See pagesl1. light sources & light rays
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See pagesl2. plane mirrors
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See pagesl3. curved mirrors
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See pagesl4. refraction
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See pagesl5. total internal reflection
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See pagesl6. lenses
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See pagesl7. optical instruments