Question

Can absolute refractive index of any material less than one? why?

Answer 1

No, because the Refractive Index of Vacuum itself is 1.00 and vacuum is essentially "nothingness". So there is no medium having Refractive Index less than unity. Absolute refractive index can never be zero.

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Answer 2

Dear Student,

◆ Answer -

No. Cause speed of light in any medium can never be more than that in vacuum.

● Explanation -

Absolute refractive index of any material is the ratio of speed of light in vacuum to speed of light in medium. Speed of light in any medium is always less that of speed of light in vacuum. So ratio of c/v is always more than 1. Hence, absolute refractive index of any material can never be less than 1.

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