In Year 10 physics, students engage in hands-on experiments to explore properties of light. One key activity involves measuring the refractive index of light refracting through a glass block. This experiment allows students to observe how light changes direction as it passes from air into the denser medium of glass and back into air, demonstrating the principles Snell’s Law. By carefully measuring the angles of incidence and refraction, students gain a deeper understanding of how light behaves at the boundary between different materials.
Another component of the lesson focuses on measuring the magnification of lenses. Students investigate how convex lenses affect light and calculate the magnification produced by these lenses. Through this practical exercise, they explore how lenses can enlarge or reduce the appearance of objects, laying the groundwork for understanding optical devices like how your eye works, microscopes and telescopes. These experiments not only reinforce theoretical concepts but also develop essential scientific skills, such as accurate measurement and data analysis, in an engaging and interactive way.
