Question

Refractive indices of water and benzene with respect to air are 1.33 and 1.50 respectively. calculate the refractive index of benzene with respect to water.

Answer 1

Given that, the refractive index of water and benzene with respect to air are 1.33 and 1.50 respectively.

We have to find the refractive index of benzene with respect to water.

Refractive index of air with respect to water = (Speed of light in air)/(Speed of light in water) = 1.33 ..............(A)

Similarly,

Refractive index of air with respect to benzene = (Speed of light in air)/(Speed of light in benzene) = 1.50 ...........(B)

So,

Refractive index of benzene with respect to water = (Refractive index of air with respect to benzene)/(Refractive index of air with respect to water)

Substitute value of (A) and (B) in the above formula,

Refractive index of benzene with respect to water = 1.50/1.33

= 1.13