ABSTRACT
Basic understanding of the reflection and refraction properties of light paved the way for many of the optical measuring devices in use. When light strikes a surface, a portion of the incident ray is reflected from the surface. The laws of reflection and refraction govern the behaviour of light incident on a flat surface, separating two optical media. Light travels in a straight line at a constant speed in a uniform optical medium. Light reflection, scattering, and absorption are important factors in the calculation of light loss in an optical medium. The chapter presents several experimental lab cases that cover light passing through a water layer as an optical component. The experimental cases include observing laser light passing through a water layer, measuring the angle of incidence and angle of refraction, measuring and calculating the critical angle at the water-air interface, and measuring the total internal reflection occurring at the water-air interface.
