OpticsLab

Real & Apparent Depth Lab

Adjust the refractive index, depth, and light color to see how an object submerged in a denser medium appears raised — in real time.

1.33
10.0 cm
Yellow • 580 nm
Air (μ = 1.00)Medium (μ = 1.33)ObjectImage (apparent)Real 10.0 cmApparent 7.52 cmShift 2.48 cm

Live Readings

Refractive Index
1.330
Wavelength
580nm
Real Depth
10.00cm
Apparent Depth
7.52cm
Shift
2.48cm
Reduction
24.8%

Formulas

$$\mu = \dfrac{\text{Real Depth}}{\text{Apparent Depth}}$$$$d_{app} = \dfrac{t}{\mu}$$$$\text{Shift} = t\left(1 - \dfrac{1}{\mu}\right)$$

Valid for nearly vertical (paraxial) viewing.