PURPOSE: To demonstrate the uses (?) of refractive indices

DESCRIPTION: This demonstration consists of a large clear container filled with vegetable oil. A pyrex beaker is placed in the vegetable oil and (if it is super-clean) the only part that can be seen is the markings on its side.

SETUP TIME: Minimal

COMPONENT LIST:

Large container, small pyrex beaker, vegetable oil    		(in optics cabinets)

SUGGESTIONS: Another way this may be done, for those who like a bit of magic: Show the students a solid stirring rod. Smash it with a hammer (be careful about flying pyrex!). Throw the bits into a large container with yellow fluid in it (vegetable oil). Call the yellow fluid "magical healing oil", maybe mutter a few magical words, and pull out a whole stirring rod. You may repeat this a few times yourself (as many times as whole rods you have hidden in the liquid), then let students try it themselves!

REFERENCES: PIRA 6A40.30

OTHER NOTES: The index of refraction of pyrex is equal to that of vegetable oil -- both are about 1.5. Also, regular glass and baby oil have the same index of refraction. It is also reported that cubic zirconia and corn oil have the same index of refraction, but jewelers report that different "kinds" of cubic zirconia have wildly different refractive indices.