Optically Rarer Medium and Optically Denser Medium
Optically Rarer Medium and Optically Denser Medium: Overview
In this topic, we will get to know about optically rarer and denser medium. Then it discusses the refraction of light when it goes from a rarer medium to denser medium and vice versa in detail with suitable diagrams.
Important Questions on Optically Rarer Medium and Optically Denser Medium
The refractive index of glass with respect to air is and the refractive index of water with respect to air is . The refractive index of glass with respect to water will be:

The refractive index of water with respect to air is . The refractive index of air with respect to water will be:

The refractive index of water is:

The refractive indices of four media and are and respectively. When light travelling in air is incident in these media at equal angle, the angle of refraction will be the minimum:

The refractive index of glass with respect to air is . The refractive index of air with respect to glass will be:

Refractive indices of carbon disulphide and ethyl alcohol are and respectively. Which is optically denser?

Which has higher refractive index: Water or glass?

How can you bend light away from the normal?

Which of the following diagrams shows the ray of light refracted correctly?

The speed of light in air is:

Light travels more quickly through water than through glass.
If a ray of light passes from glass into water, how will it bend: towards the normal or away from the normal?

Light travels more quickly through water than through glass.
Which is optically denser: water or glass?

Draw a labelled ray diagram to show how a ray of light is refracted when it passes:
from an optically denser medium into air.

Draw a labelled ray diagram to show how a ray of light is refracted when it passes:
from air into an optically denser medium.

In which material do you think light rays travel faster-glass or air?

As light rays pass from water into glass, are they refracted towards the normal or away from the normal?

When a ray of light passes from air into glass, is the angle of refraction greater than or less than the angle of incidence?

A ray of light goes from water into air. Will it bend towards the normal or away from the normal?

A ray of light travelling in air enters obliquely into water. Does the ray of light bend towards the normal or away from the normal? Why?

A ray of light travelling in glass emerges into air. State whether it will bend towards the normal or away from the normal.
