Definition
The extent of the change in direction that takes place in a given pair of media may be expressed in terms of the refractive index. It can be linked with the speed of propagation of light in different media.
Formulae
Relative Refractive Index
It is in relation to another medium.
RI of medium 2 with respect to medium 1
Ray of light comes from Medium 1 to 2 like in Refraction#Refraction through rectangular glass slab
RI of medium 1 with respect to medium 2
Ray of light comes from medium 2 to 1
From here we can establish a relationship that the medium of which the RI has to be found should be at the bottom and the respect medium should be at the top.
Without speed of light:
RI of medium 1 with respect to 2
where
Absolute Refractive Index
It is the refractive index of a medium with respect to vacuum (or air).
Backlinks
Flashcards
What is refractive index?;;The extent of the change in direction that takes place in a given pair of media may be expressed in terms of the refractive index. It can be linked with the speed of propagation of light in different media.
Write the formula to find the relative RI of a medium 1 in respect of 2.
?
Write the formula to find the absolute refractive index of a medium? ?