6A40.30 Disappearing Act

Pour some Wesson Oil into a clear container. Put a pyrex test tube in the oil. Fill the test tube partly with Wesson Oil. The part that is filled with Wesson Oil will seem to disappear. Another version using anisole and an eyedropper is also available.

Picture: Not yet available

Setup Requirements:  Minimal. May need towel to clean up oil.

Equations: The index of refraction of the glass is close to that of Wesson oil and anisole. 

Safety Issues:  Keep anisole container taped shut.