Refraction and scattering of light

Demonstrations of the science and application of light's refractive properties.

Still of Lawrence Bragg
Image credit: Royal Institution

An explanation of double refraction is followed by Lawrence Bragg demonstrating its effects by means of Polaroid, a crystal of calcite and a lamp incorporating an iris diaphragm. The effects that are associated with the scattering of light are then described, each description being supplemented by a demonstration. He ends with a series of experiments in refraction effects using two pieces of Polaroid.

Crown copyright information is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and the Queen’s Printer for Scotland.