How do science concepts apply to your world? Here are some questions you'll be able to answer after you read this chapter.

• Why do some large trucks have a sign that reads, “If you can't see my mirrors, then I can't see you”?
• Why do automobile manufacturers place warnings on some side-view mirrors saying that objects seen in the mirror are closer than they appear?
• Why is movie film placed upside down in a movie projector?
• How is it possible to see something that no longer exists?
• How can you relax your eyes?
• How can a television signal be transmitted using light?

How Can You Make Glass Disappear?

Procedure

1. Pour vegetable oil into a container until it is half full. Repeat this procedure using a second container and water.
2. Insert a section of glass tubing into each container.
3. Look at the glass tubing through the side of the container with vegetable oil. Then look at the glass tubing through the side of the container with water.

Think About It

1. Observing   What did you see when you looked at the glass tubing through the container with the vegetable oil? Through the container with the water?
2. Inferring   Based on your observations, what can you infer about how light travels through the vegetable oil and the glass tubing? Through the water and the glass tubing?