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 and are the absolute refractive indices of medium 1 and 2 respectively.

Absolute Refractive Index

It is the refractive index of a medium with respect to vacuum (or air).


Backlinks

Refraction


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? ?