Question

When a container is completely filled with water `(μ_w = 4/3)`, its bottom appears to be raised by 4 cm. What is the actual depth of the container?

Answer 1

Given:

Refractive index of water (μ_w) = `4/3`

Apparent shift/raised height (S) = 4 cm

Formula:

Apparent shift (S) = `h (1 - 1/μ)`

`4 = h (1 - 1/(4/3))`

`4 = h (1 - 3/4)`

`4 = h ((4 - 3)/4)`

`4 = h (1/4)`

`4 = h/4`

h = 4 × 4

h = 16 cm

The actual depth of the container is 16 cm.