experiment Disappearing Objects & Refractive Index - Experiment At Home - Scitech Skip to Content Skip to Primary Navigation Skip to Search

Mobile header. Includes: optional ticker, search and main navigation

Today's show times Ticket Prices Buy Now

Find us

Call us 08 9215 0700

Visit us
City West Centre
Corner Railway Street & Sutherland Street
West Perth, Western Australia 6005

Get directions

Site header. Includes: search, main navigation and secondary navigation

You have reached the primary navigation

Scitech

Disappearing Objects & Refractive Index

Scitech presenter Mita shows us a sciencey magic trick using the power of refractive index.

You have reached the main content region of the page.

Why do objects look like they move when placed in water? How does light bend?

Join Mita as we explore the magical science of refraction with an easy refractive index experiment that you can do at home. Can you trick your family members?

What you’ll need:

  • Water
  • Two large clear containers
  • Glass containers (such as jars)
  • Glycerin or vegetable oil
  • Tongs
  • Rubber gloves

Instructions

  1. Fill your first large container with water, and the other container with glycerin (or vegetable oil).
  2. Step 2 Insert your glass object into the tub of water and look at the point where the water and the air touch.

    Notice how the glass object appears to be disjointed below the surface of the water – here, you’re observing the effect known as “refraction”.

  3. Step 3 Next, try submerging your glass object into the tub of glycerin. Can you see your object at all now (or has it disappeared below the surface)?

 

Looking for more activities to do at home?

Upon clicking the "Book Now" or "Buy Gift Card" buttons a new window will open prompting contact information and payment details.

Click here to go back to the top of the page.
Back to Top