Refraction of Light: How to Trap a Laser Beam in Water

BY Team Aakash Byjus

Let us study one of the interesting nature of light, refraction and see how we can visualise this phenomenon.

Refraction

The deviation of light from its original path as it moves from one medium to another.

Laser Beam

All light waves that are moving in the same direction at the same wavelength create a beam called Laser.

Laser in the Air

In the air, there are no small particles that a beam can reflect off. So we cannot see laser beams in the air.

Laser Beam & Light Beam

Laser light contains only a single color, moves in a single direction and is very intense compared to white light.

Laser into an Aquarium

The medium changes from air to water when the laser beam passes through the aquarium.

Refraction in the Water

Since water is denser than the air, a laser beam after entering the water bends towards the normal line.

Speed of Light

The air has no particles but the water has impurities. So, the velocity of light decreases as it enters the water medium.

Reflection

As the laser beam enters the water medium, due to the presence of small particles in the water, it gets reflected towards our eyes.

Scattering Agent

Milk is one of the best known scattering agent. Mix it in the water where the laser beam is allowed. Due to the scattering of laser beam we can clearly see its path.

The laser beam also undergoes the total internal reflection at the boundary of the water medium. This holds the laser beam caught in the water medium.

Trap the Laser Beam

This is how we trap the laser beam inside a water medium. Share this information with others.