This 200 mm Refraction Tank is designed for clear and engaging demonstrations of refraction, reflection and wave motion. Specially created for hands-on science exploration, this circular tank allows learners to clearly observe how light rays change direction when passing from one medium to another. When a beam of light enters the liquid-filled tank, the ray bends due to differences in density between substances. This visible bending makes abstract physics concepts far easier to understand.

The tank can be filled with water or other liquids, enabling meaningful comparisons between different mediums. By shining a light bundle onto the flat side, students will see the light refract as it travels through the liquid. The tank clearly displays the angle of refraction in 1° increments, allowing accurate measurement. Learners can observe how the refracted ray forms an angle with the normal line, which is perpendicular to the boundary where the two mediums meet. By changing the liquid inside the tank, different refraction angles can be recorded and analysed. Advanced learners can even calculate the index of refraction to identify unknown liquids.

Educational Benefits:

Develops understanding of refraction, reflection and wave behaviour through direct observation
Strengthens measurement and data recording skills using 1° angle increments
Encourages analytical thinking by comparing light behaviour in different liquids
Supports introduction to density, optical physics and scientific investigation skills

Classroom & Play Activity Ideas:

Conduct a light-bending experiment using water, oil and salt solutions to compare angles
Challenge learners to predict which liquid will create the greatest refraction before testing
Measure and graph angle changes to integrate maths into science lessons
Investigate total internal reflection using varied light entry angles

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