I really need help on this project. I am not asking for all of the answers, I just need someone to explain what I should do for this experiment. And how to make a data table.

Directions:
1. Design an experiment to support the hypothesis that light travels in straight lines
except at the point it enters a new medium.
2. Write experimental procedures using detailed, numbered steps. Do not use
paragraphs. Do not use personal pronouns such as you or I.
a. Incorrect: I will pour 10 mL of water into the graduated cylinder. I will
transfer the water to a separate container. I will shine the light of the
flashlight onto the surface of the water.
b. Correct:
1. Pour 10 mL of water into the graduated cylinder.
2. Transfer the water to a separate container.
3. Shine the light of the flashlight onto the surface of the
water.
3. To plan the experimental procedures, consider the following questions:
a. What materials are needed? (If using the PhET simulation, list which tools
and mediums will be used.)
b. What safety procedures should be followed? (If using the PhET
simulation, safety procedures are unnecessary.)
c. What observations should be made?
i. How will the angle of incidence and the angle of refraction be
measured?
d. What kind of data table is needed? (see example)
4. After writing the procedures and creating a data table, carry out the experiment.
5. Create a lab report with the following sections filled in. Submit a typed copy to the
teacher via drop box:
a. Experimental Question: How does a change in medium affect light?
b. Hypothesis:
c. Materials List:
d. Safety Procedures (if necessary):
e. Experimental Procedures:
f. Data Table:
g. Analysis and Conclusions: (Use the data to explain whether the data
supports the hypothesis. Discuss any circumstances that may have
affected the outcome. Answer the experimental question.)

@Ms. Sue could you possibly help me with this?

Generally, in science, we look to find the contrary to the hypothesis, eg, prove that light does not travel in straight lines (ie, diffraction in slits, pinholes, gratings).

But nothwithstanding that error, you seem to be indicating that at the interface of mediums, light changes paths. You are testing only one interface (eg, what if the medium was constructed so that the index vaied with distance, the light would curve in an arc? (this actually happens in the sea to water waves as depth changes).
Ok, now your work.
Data table:
If you are using a laser source, enter wavelength (yep, color matters).
Incidence/Output angles/Sine Incidence/ Sine Output angles

measure angle to the "normal", that is perpendicular to the interface. You record the data in the two first columns, then use your calculator to compute the sines of the angles for the next two columns, then compute the ratio of Sines of the angles (sine Incidence/sine Output angle)

You should be able to draw a conclusion easily. Many would put the first two columns in a Observation Table, and then the last columns in a "calculations" table. It is OK to do them toghether.

Thank you so much! :)

Ms. Sue? Can you help me please?

To design an experiment to support the hypothesis that light travels in straight lines except at the point it enters a new medium, follow these steps:

1. Start by gathering the necessary materials for the experiment. This may include a flashlight, a graduated cylinder, containers filled with different mediums (e.g. water, oil, glass), protractors or angle measuring devices, and a ruler.

2. Consider safety procedures if necessary. Since you are not using a specific simulation, you might not require any additional safety procedures beyond normal lab precautions. However, be mindful of potential hazards related to working with the materials you have chosen.

3. Determine the observations you need to make to support the hypothesis. In this case, you need to measure the angles of incidence and refraction. Incident angle denotes the angle at which light strikes the boundary between two mediums, while the refracted angle refers to the angle at which light bends when entering a new medium.

To measure these angles, use protractors or angle measuring devices. Align the incident ray, the normal (perpendicular line to the boundary), and the refracted ray to measure their respective angles accurately.

4. Create a data table to record your observations. The table should include columns for the medium, incident angle, and refracted angle. Each row should represent a different medium being tested.

For example:
| Medium | Incident Angle (degrees) | Refracted Angle (degrees) |
|----------|-------------------------|--------------------------|
| Water | | |
| Oil | | |
| Glass | | |

5. Now, it's time to carry out the experiment. Follow the numbered steps you wrote in the correct format to perform each procedure precisely.

6. Once you've completed the experiment, write a lab report with the following sections filled in:

a. Experimental Question: "How does a change in medium affect light?"

b. Hypothesis: State your hypothesis, which is that light travels in straight lines except at the point it enters a new medium.

c. Materials List: List all the materials you used during the experiment.

d. Safety Procedures: If no additional safety procedures were required, simply state that no additional safety procedures were necessary.

e. Experimental Procedures: Rewrite the steps you followed during the experiment, adhering to the correct format provided in the instructions.

f. Data Table: Transfer the observations you recorded in your data table into this section.

g. Analysis and Conclusions: Analyze the data you collected and provide an explanation of whether the data supports your hypothesis. Additionally, discuss any circumstances or factors that may have affected the outcome of the experiment. Finally, answer the experimental question based on your observations and analysis.

Remember to submit a typed copy of your lab report to your teacher using the designated method, such as a drop box.

Good luck with your experiment!

Ms. Sue won't be online for another few hours, and I don't see any other science tutors online now.

You need to have patience, as you're instructed on the Post a New Question page.