Question

why is the refractive index of ice less than water

Answer 1

The index of refraction for ice is 1.31. The index of refraction of a material is the ratio of the velocity of light in a vacuum to that in the material. ... To answer your question, the optical density of ice is less than that of water. Light travels through ice faster than it travels through water.

Answer 2

Explanation:

The refractive index of ice = 1.31

and water (l) = 1.33 ,

Since, refractive index depends on relative velocity of propagation of light in 2 transparent media,

So, this minute difference may be because of cage like structure of ice due to which it has more empty air spaces...

I think you got your answer

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