Chronology Current Month Current Thread Current Date
[Year List] [Month List (current year)] [Date Index] [Thread Index] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Date Prev] [Date Next]

Re: Changing the Refractive Index of Water to match Glass



Liquid glass? Could that be a solution of sodium silicate, a.k.a. "water
glass"? That's the same stuff the "magic rocks" grow in. Some cooking oils
come pretty close to the index of refraction of glass. Educational
Innovations (http://www.teachersource.com) has a "disappearing beaker" set
that uses this principle.

Vickie

-----Original Message-----
From: Seth Miller [mailto:stmiller@NYX.NET]
Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2002 1:55 PM
To: PHYS-L@lists.nau.edu
Subject: Changing the Refractive Index of Water to match Glass


Hello all-

Thanks to all who helped me find the temperature strips. Now I have
another request: does anyone know of a powder that can be added to
water to change its index of refraction to match that of glass?

The idea is to use a spherical flask filled with water to explore the
phenomenon of rainbows. It would simplify my life if there were not get
all sorts of secondary reflections and refractions that create other
color effects that do not exist in a suspended drop of water in the air.
I heard that such a powder existed, perhaps by the name of 'Liquid
Glass', but I have been unable to find such a substance and would
appreciate any help in its location!

Thanks-
Seth Miller
Denver Waldorf High School
It is prohibited for anyone to disclose, copy, distribute the contents of
this message. Benedictine University does not review, edit or censor
E-Mail communications sent out through their System. The University
maintains and enforces policies regarding the acceptable use of its
technology resources. All messages express views solely of the sender,
which are not to be attributed to Benedictine University, and may not be
copied or distributed without this disclaimer.