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Speed of Light in Different Media

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  • Definition: Refractive Index of a Medium
  • Key Points: Speed of Light in Different Media
CISCE: Class 10

Definition: Refractive Index of a Medium

The refractive index of a medium is defined as the ratio of the speed of light in vacuum (or air) to the speed of light in that medium.

CISCE: Class 10

Key Points: Speed of Light in Different Media

  • Refractive index (µ) = c / V, where c is the speed of light in vacuum and V is the speed in the medium.
  • The refractive index of a medium is always > 1 because the speed of light in any medium is less than in a vacuum.
  • If µ₁ = µ₂ or the angle of incidence = 0°, the ray of light passes undeviated.
  • Wavelength in medium A′ = A / µ; wavelength decreases in denser medium and increases in rarer medium.
  • Refractive index decreases with decreasing speed of light, and is maximum for violet light and minimum for red light.
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