Can simple changes can give rise to huge outcomes?

Classical Mechanics Level 3

What will happen to a glass test tube when it is dropped in a glass beaker, completely filled with oil?

Details and Assumptions

  • The refractive index of glass is equal to that of the oil.

  • Don't forget that the testube contains oil too!

Appears bigger Disappear Cannot say None of these Sink Shrink in size Float Changes color

Sravanth C. by Sravanth C. , 21, India

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2 solutions

Sravanth C.
Feb 21, 2015

It disappears because the refractive index of of both oil and the glass are equal!

14 Helpful 0 Interesting 0 Brilliant 0 Confused

You should mention in the question that the test tube is also filled with oil.

MD Omur Faruque - 5 years, 8 months ago

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Thanks edited.

Sravanth C. - 5 years, 8 months ago

I dont think its required that the test tube should also be filled with oil for the test tube to disappear

Athiyaman Nallathambi - 5 years, 8 months ago

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What about refractive index of air filled in glass test tube? May it not affect? So,it should be mentioned.

Sachin Vishwakarma - 5 years, 8 months ago

Of course, it'll affect. To dissappear, either the test tube should be solid or it should be filled with something that has same refractive index.

Imagine I have a test tube made of water (just imagine that it's solid). If I pour water in it & put it in a beaker filled with water, it will certainly dissappear. But if it was empty, you would've seen something (similar to seeing bubbles in water).

MD Omur Faruque - 5 years, 8 months ago
Aditya Paul
Mar 31, 2015

A glass knife instead of the test tube was carried by Nazi and Soviet assassins in a bottle of oil, since it was invisible. This is an age old murder technique.

3 Helpful 0 Interesting 0 Brilliant 0 Confused

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