Determining the refractive index of transparent materials using total internal reflection in teaching experiment

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce a three-dimensional demonstration for the refraction and reflection based on total internal reflection of light in transparent media, and discuss the reasons for the formation of circular bright areas and circular shadows, respectively. Then, according to the relationship between the diameter of circular shadows and bright areas, the depth of water, and the thickness of the polymethyl methacrylate plate, we described a teaching experiment based on total internal reflection of light to achieve refractive index measurement of transparent liquids and solids. The refractive index of transparent media measured using this method is in good agreement with reported data.