Absolute Refractive Index and Relative Refractive Index

Author:Dr. Sunil Kushwaha
10th CBSE
IMPORTANT

Absolute Refractive Index and Relative Refractive Index: Overview

This topic sheds light on the absolute refractive index and relative refractive index. The ratio of the speed of light in vacuum or air to the speed of light in the medium is known as the absolute refractive index.

Important Questions on Absolute Refractive Index and Relative Refractive Index

MEDIUM
IMPORTANT

The refractive indices of four media A, B, C and D are given in the following table:

Medium  A B C D
Refractive Index 1.33 1.50 1.52 2.40

If light travels from one medium to another, in which case the change in speed will be (i) minimum, (ii) maximum.

EASY
IMPORTANT

The refractive index of dense flint glass is 1.65 and for alcohol it is 1.36, with respect to air. What is the refractive index of dense flint glass with respect to alcohol?

EASY
IMPORTANT

The refractive index of a diamond is 2.42. What is the meaning of this statement in relation to speed of light?