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- B. Statics
- C. Kinematics & Dynamics
- D. Rotational Mechanics
- E. Gravitation & Astronomy
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L4-21. Snell's Law - Image Distortion
Purpose
To illustrate a paradox involving Snell's law.
Equipment
Plastic tank of water with ball bearing and washer pedestal.
Setup Time
5 minutes.
Images
Description
The rays refracting in the horizontal and the vertical planes bend differently when exiting the dish, causing the ball bearing to become distorted when viewed through the top surface of the water. It apparently is a non-trivial problem to show that the image produced by a horizontal fan of rays is not at the same location as that produced by the more easily handled vertical fan of rays.
References
Jinsong Cui, A Demonstration of the Apparent Ellipticity of the Rising or Setting Sun, TPT 29, 566 (1991). John B. Johnston, Atmospheric Refraction, TPT 15, 308-309, (1977).
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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