Question

The absolute refractive index of kerosene and alcohol are 1.36 and 1.44. Find the speed of light in both the mediums . Which one optically denser

Answer 1

substance having higher refractive is optically denser than another substance having lower refractive index. Therefore alcohol is optically denser than water.


In the above diagram, the incident ray AB goes from water (optically rarer medium) to alcohol (optically denser medium), so after refraction, it bends towards the normal.

Answer 2

Answer-

v(kerosene) = 2.203 × 10^8 m/s

v(alcohol) = 2.083 × 10^8 m/s

μ(kerosene) = 1.36

μ(alcohol) = 1.44

Velocity of light through kerosene is calculated by-  c / μ(kerosene)

v(kerosene) = 3×10^8 / 1.36

v(kerosene) = 2.203×10^8 m/s

Velocity of light through alcohol is calculated by=  c / μ(alcohol)

v(alcohol) = 3×10^8 / 1.44

v(alcohol) = 2.083×10^8 m/s

Since velocity is faster in denser medium. Since velocity in kerosene is more, hence kerosene is more denser.