The refractive index (n) of a medium is a dimensionless quantity that describes how fast light travels through the medium. It is defined as the ratio of the speed of light in vacuum (c₀) to the speed of light in the medium (v). Air is often used as an approximation for vacuum, so if the speed of light in air is represented by c and the speed in the medium is v, the refractive index is given by n = c / v.
If the speed of light in air is represented by c and the speed in a medium is v, then the refractive index of the medium can be calculated using the formula
Asked in UPSC CDS 2 2020 · Topic: Optics (Reflection and Refraction at plane and spherical surfaces)
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