The Refractive Index:The refractive index can be linked to an important physical quantity, the relative speed of propagation of light in different media. It turns out that light propagates with different speeds in different media. Light travels the fastest in vacuum with the highest speed of 3×108 meter per second. In air, the speed of light is only marginally less, compared to that in vacuum. Therefore, speed of light in air is taken as 3x108meter per second.It reduces considerably in glass or water. The value of the refractive index for a given pair of media depends upon the speed of light in the two media, as given below.Consider a ray of light travelling from medium 1 into medium 2.Let ν1 be the speed of light in medium 1 and ν2is the speed of light in medium 2. According to Snell's law, the refractive index of medium 2 with respect to medium 1 is represented as μtwo one, it is given by. In the same way, the refractive index of medium 1 with respect to medium 2 is represented as μone two. It is given by. If medium 1 is vacuum or air, then the refractive index of medium 2 is considered with respect to vacuum. This is called the absolute refractive index of the medium. It is simply represented as μ2. If c is the speed of light in air and ν is the speed of light in the medium, then, the refractive index of the medium nm is given by 7 Active Technology Solutions Pvt.Ltd. is an educational 3D digital content provider for K-12. We also customize the content as per your requirement for companies platform providers colleges etc . 7 Active driving force "The Joy of Happy Learning" -- is what makes difference from other digital content providers. We consider Student needs, Lecturer needs and College needs in designing the 3D & 2D Animated Video Lectures. We are carrying a huge 3D Digital Library ready to use. For more information: http://www.7active.in Contact: 040-64501777 / 65864777 9700061777

• published: 11 Apr 2014
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