Product Information
Physics • Light & OpticsSemi Circular Glass Slab
Explore the behaviour of light through a semi-circular glass block. An essential teaching apparatus for refraction, critical angle, Snell’s law and total internal reflection demonstrations.
Suitable for physics practicals in schools, colleges and educational science laboratories.
Product Overview
The Semi Circular Glass Slab is an optical apparatus used to study the path of light through glass. Its semi-circular geometry helps students direct a light ray through the centre of curvature, so that the ray meets the curved surface approximately normally.
This arrangement makes it easier to investigate refraction at the flat face and observe how the direction of a light ray changes as the angle of incidence is varied.
Key Learning Areas
Refraction of light Snell’s law Critical angle Total internal reflection Refractive index Ray opticsIntended users: School physics labs, colleges, science teachers, universities and educational equipment buyers.
Working Principle
Light changes direction when it passes between materials with different refractive indices. By directing a narrow ray through the curved surface towards the centre of curvature, refraction at that curved boundary is minimised. The flat face can then be used to study the relationship between the angles of incidence and refraction.
n? sin i = n? sin rSnell’s law of refraction
When light travels from glass towards air, increasing the angle of incidence can lead to the critical angle. Above this angle, total internal reflection occurs, provided the light is travelling from the optically denser medium to the less dense medium.
Typical Laboratory Procedure
01Position the Slab
Place the glass slab on a flat sheet of paper and trace its outline. Mark the centre of the straight face and draw a normal.
02Direct a Light Ray
Use a suitable ray box or narrow light source to direct a ray through the curved surface towards the centre of the flat face.
03Observe and Record
Measure the relevant angles, vary the incident ray as required and record observations for refraction or total internal reflection.
Handle the glass carefully and inspect it for chips or cracks before use. Never look directly into a laser beam; follow the laboratory's light-source safety procedures.
Technical Specifications
Confirm the following details with PSAW before using them in a purchase order or technical catalogue.
Specification Details Product Name Semi Circular Glass Slab Category Physics Laboratory Equipment / Ray Optics Shape Semi-circular Material / glass grade Confirm with PSAW for the supplied model Diameter and thickness Confirm with PSAW Surface finish and edges Confirm with PSAW Experiments Refraction, critical angle, refractive index and total internal reflection Accessories Light source, ray box or other accessories are included only if confirmed by PSAW Price and availability Request a current quotation Educational Applications
School Physics Labs
Introduce light refraction, incident and refracted angles, and basic geometrical optics.
College Practicals
Support practical investigations of Snell’s law, critical angle and refractive index.
Science Demonstrations
Show how light behaves at glass-air boundaries and demonstrate total internal reflection.
Related Educational Equipment Categories
Explore other laboratory and educational apparatus categories from PSAW Laboratory Equipments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a semi circular glass slab used for?
It is used in physics laboratory experiments to demonstrate refraction, Snell’s law, critical angle, refractive index and total internal reflection.
Why is a semi-circular shape useful in optics experiments?
A ray directed through the centre of curvature meets the curved surface approximately at normal incidence. This helps isolate the refraction occurring at the flat face.
Can this slab be used to demonstrate total internal reflection?
Yes, when used with a suitable light source and correct experimental arrangement, it can demonstrate the critical angle and total internal reflection.
Does the product include a ray box or laser?
Do not assume that a light source or other accessories are included. Confirm the exact scope of supply with PSAW before ordering.
What are the diameter and thickness of the slab?
Dimensions can vary by model. Contact PSAW to confirm the exact diameter, thickness, glass grade and surface finish.
How can I order a semi circular glass slab from PSAW?
Contact PSAW Laboratory Equipments by phone, email or WhatsApp to request specifications, pricing and delivery details.
Request a Quote from PSAW
Looking for a Semi Circular Glass Slab for your school, college or physics laboratory? Contact PSAW Laboratory Equipments for technical details and a current quotation.
Phone: 9416981180
Email: psawsales@gmail.com
Semi Circular Glass Slab
The Semi Circular Glass Slab is an educational physics laboratory apparatus used to demonstrate the refraction of light, Snell’s law, critical angle and total internal reflection. Its curved surface allows light directed through the centre of curvature to enter approximately perpendicular to the surface, helping students investigate refraction at the flat face.
Contentful+1
Suitable for school laboratories, colleges and physics practical demonstrations. Confirm the glass grade, diameter, thickness, edge finish and supplied accessories with PSAW Laboratory Equipments before ordering.
