https://physlab-wiki.com/ 2026-04-24T14:36:27+00:00 https://physlab-wiki.com/ https://physlab-wiki.com/lib/tpl/UChicago/images/favicon.ico text/html 2021-09-27T11:45:45+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://physlab-wiki.com/physicsdemos/waves_and_optics/geometrical_optics/converging_lens_mechanical_model?rev=1632757545&do=diff Converging Lens Mechanical Model A mechanical model is used to show the behavior of rays passing though a simple converging lens. The distance between the source and lens may be adjusted. B top PIRA DCS 6A60.XX text/html 2021-09-27T11:48:47+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://physlab-wiki.com/physicsdemos/waves_and_optics/geometrical_optics/corner_cube_reflector?rev=1632757727&do=diff Corner Cube Reflector A corner-cube reflector is mounted on an optical rail with a laser. Chalk dust from a blackboard eraser is used to reveal the laser light. One sees that the reflected beam remains parallel to the incident beam regardless of the angle of incidence. text/html 2021-09-27T11:59:10+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://physlab-wiki.com/physicsdemos/waves_and_optics/geometrical_optics/fiber_optics?rev=1632758350&do=diff Fiber Optics A variety of fiber optics and large-diameter light pipes may be shown to the class. Handheld lasers may be used to demonstrate the light-channeling properties of these devices. L0, L1 PIRA DCS 6A44.40 text/html 2023-03-23T12:52:26+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://physlab-wiki.com/physicsdemos/waves_and_optics/geometrical_optics/glass_and_glycerine_trick?rev=1679590346&do=diff Glass and Glycerine Trick A test tube is smashed with a hammer and the pieces are poured into a clear container of glycerine. Then, due to magic or the similar refraction indices of glass and glycerine, the broken pieces of glass disappear and a previously-invisible, intact test tube is removed from the container. text/html 2021-09-27T12:15:50+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://physlab-wiki.com/physicsdemos/waves_and_optics/geometrical_optics/mirage_with_parabolic_mirrors?rev=1632759350&do=diff Mirage with Parabolic Mirrors A mirage is created with a pair of parabolic mirrors. A video camera may be used to project a close-up view onto a wall or screen. L1 PIRA DCS 6A20.35 text/html 2024-02-22T17:00:23+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://physlab-wiki.com/physicsdemos/waves_and_optics/geometrical_optics/parabolic_mirror_ignites_flash_paper?rev=1708639223&do=diff Parabolic Mirror Ignites Flash Paper A piece of flash paper is colored black and placed at the focus of a parabolic mirror. The mirror is pre-positioned under a lecture hall spot light. The flash paper ignites when the light is turned on. Setup text/html 2023-03-23T13:18:46+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://physlab-wiki.com/physicsdemos/waves_and_optics/geometrical_optics/refraction_tank?rev=1679591926&do=diff Refraction Tank A beam of light is shone through a transparent container half filled with water. Angular graduations on the container allow the angle of incident, refracted, and reflected light to be measured both in the water and in the air. The light source may be freely rotated through a 180-degree range. text/html 2021-11-05T16:35:55+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://physlab-wiki.com/physicsdemos/waves_and_optics/geometrical_optics/separation_and_recombination_of_white_light?rev=1636144555&do=diff Separation and Recombination of White Light A slide projector with a single slit slide projects a ray through a single prism which separates the light into its component colors. A second prism placed in opposite orientation recombines the light and casts a parallel ray to the original. text/html 2021-11-05T16:32:58+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://physlab-wiki.com/physicsdemos/waves_and_optics/geometrical_optics/white_light_spectrum_with_a_prism?rev=1636144378&do=diff White Light Spectrum with a Prism A slide projector is used to illuminate a prism as the refracted light is viewed on a wall or screen. PIRA DCS 5N30.10 text/html 2021-11-05T16:35:14+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://physlab-wiki.com/physicsdemos/waves_and_optics/geometrical_optics/whiteboard_optics?rev=1636144514&do=diff Whiteboard Optics Magnetically-mounted optical components are arranged on a whiteboard in any of a number of classic configurations taught in geometrical optics. The light source provides one to five independently aligned rays. Available components include the thin concave lens, thin convex lens, flat mirror, concave mirror, convex mirror, triangular refraction block, and rectangular refraction block.