Refractive Index of Glass

Aim:
To determine refractive index of a glass slab using a travelling microscope.
Apparatus:
Travelling microscope, Magnifying lens, peice of paper.
Formula:
Real Depth R3 R1
Refractive Index of glass slab()= =
Apparent Depth R 3 R 2
Where R1 is reading of ink dot without glass slab
R2 is reading of ink dot below the glass slab
R3 is reading of ink dot above the glass slab
Description:

Travelling microscope is a compound microscope

fitted vertically on a vertical scale.It can be moved up and
down and vernier scale moving along the main scale.In
any position the reading can be taken by combining main
scale and vernier scale reading.
Procedure:
Set the microscope with its axis vertical. Place the
travelling microscope(M) on the table where the sufficient
light falls on it. Adjust the levelling screws so that the base of the microscope becomes
horizontal.The position of eyepiece is to be adjusted till the cross wires are clearly
visible. Measure the vernier constant of the vernier scale of the microscope.
 Make a black ink dot as much as small on the paper.It will serve as a point P. Place
the ink dot paper on the base of the microscope. Make the microscope vertical and focus on
the dot at P, so that there is no parallax between the cross wires and the image of the mark
P. Note the main scale reading and the vernier scale readings on the vertical scale.The total
reading (R1) is estimated by using the below formula.
The total reading (R1) = M.S.R + (V.C x L.C)
Now place the glass slab of certain thickness above the ink dot paper.Raise the
microscope upwards and focus it on the image of the ink dot.Again notice the main scale
reading and vernier scale readings on the vertical scale.
The total reading (R2) = M.S.R + (V.C x L.C)
Keep the ink dot paper over the glass slab.Move the microscope upwards and focus it
on the image of the ink dot.Note the main scale reading and vernier scale readings on th
vertical scale.
The total reading (R3) = M.S.R + (V.C x L.C)
Real depth of the ink dot can be determined by using the formula
Real depth = R3 R1
Apparent depth of the ink dot can be determined by using the formula
Apparent depth = R3 R2

Observation:
1.One main scale division = ----------cm
2.Total No.of divisions in the vernier N =-----------
3.Least count of travelling microscope = -----------cm
Determination of Refractive index
S.No Position of M.S.R V.C V.CxL.C Total Reading Real Depth Apparent R 3R1
the ink dot (a) cm (b) cm (a+b) cm (R3-R1) cm Depth =
R3 R2
paper (R3 -R2) cm
1 With out R1
glass slab
2 Below the R2
glass slab
3 Above the R3
glass slab

Precautions:
1. Readings should be taken with out parallax error .
2. The axis of the microscope should be vertical.
3. Once the eye piece is focused ,it should not be disturbed during the experiment.
4. The microscope should be moved in upper direction only to avoid back lash error so
that better to keep the microscope at the lowest postion.
Result:
Refractive index of glass slab is -------------