Question

Define absolute refractive index and
relative refractive index. Explain in brief
with an illustration for each.​

Answer 1

Relative refractive index: When light travels from one medium to another medium, then the refractive index is known as the relative refractive index. Absolute refractive index: When light travels from vacuum to another medium, then the refractive index is known as the absolute refractive index.

Answer 2

Refractive index: It is defined as the bending of light rays while the light ray enters from one medium to another. It is denoted by the letter n .

Where,

c is the speed of light with a certain wavelength in the air

v is the speed of light in the given medium

Following are the factors on which the refractive index is dependent:

Nature of the medium

Physical conditions

Colour of the wavelength of light

Therefore, these are the factors that determine the refractive index.

Relative refractive index: When light travels from one medium to another medium, then the refractive index is known as the relative refractive index.

Absolute refractive index: When light travels from vacuum to another medium, then the refractive index is known as the absolute refractive index.