Liquid Fibre Optics (Funky Physics Experiments)

You will need:

1. Large plastic bottle
2. Something to make
   holes in the bottle
3. A flashlight or torch
4. Water

Fibre optics is all the rage in today’s day and age. But how does fibre optics work, and how does it emit light only at the very end of the long fibre? Understand the science behind fibre optics by using water instead of fibre.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. You should conduct this experiment near the sink or outdoors.
2. Take a large plastic bottle,
   and ask an adult to help you make
   2-3 holes in the bottle near the bottom.
3. Plug the holes with your finger
   and fill the bottle up.
4. When you are ready, flash the
   torch light from the side of the bottle which is opposite to the holes.
5. Remove your fingers from the
   holes and move your hand down
   the stream of water.

RESULT

Even though you will not see the torch light clearly in the stream of water flowing from the bottle yet you should be able to see the spot of light in your hand when you move it under the stream of water. This is a result of how light reflects inside water. The torch light moves through the stream of water and stays within the stream, curving with the bend in the water stream. However, when the water stream touches your hand it lights up.