What are the factors affecting the refractive index of a medium with full explanation??
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Answers
The refractive index is a ratio of the speed of light in a medium relative to its speed in a vacuum. This change in speed from one medium to another is what causes light rays to bend. This is because as light travels through another medium other than a vacuum, the atoms of that medium constantly absorb and remit the particles of light, slowing down the speed light travels at.
Factors that affect the refractive index:
The two factors which affect the value of the refractive index are:
1.Temperature
*Refractive index values are usually determined at standard temperature.
*A higher temperature means the liquid becomes less dense and less viscous, causing light to travel faster in the medium. This results in a smaller value for the refractive index due to a smaller ratio.
*A lower temperature means the liquid becomes denser and has a higher viscosity, causing light to travel slower in the medium. This results in a larger value for the refractive index due to a larger ratio.
*Refractometers usually have a means of temperature regulation.
2.Wavelength of light
*The refractive index varies with wavelength linearly because different wavelengths interfere to different extents with the atoms of the medium.
*It is important to use monochromatic light to prevent dispersion of light into different colours.
*The chosen wavelength should not be absorbed by the medium.
*The sodium D line at 598 nm is the most frequently used wavelength of light for a refractometer.