If the absolute refractive index of glass and water are 3/2 and 4/3 respectively, what is the refractive index of glass with respect to water? - Science and Technology 1

If the absolute refractive index of glass and water are 3/2 and 4/3 respectively, what is the refractive index of glass with respect to water?

Solution

If v1 is the velocity of light in vacuum, v2 is the velocity of light in glass and v3 is the velocity of light in water then, absolute refractive index of glass, i.e., a refractive index of glass with respect to vacuum,

"n"_"g" = "v"_1/"v"_2 = 3/2    ...(i)

Absolute refractive index of water ,i.e., refractive index of water with respect to vacuum,

"n"_"w" = "v"_1/"v"_3 = 4/3   ...(ii)

∴ Refractive index of glass with respect to water,

gnw = "v"_3/"v"_2

= "v"_1/"v"_2 xx "v"_3/"v"_1  ....(Multiplying and dividing R.H.S. of equation by v1)

= 3/2 xx 3/4   ...[From equations (i) and (ii)]

= 9/8

The refractive index of glass with respect to water is 9/8

Concept: Refractive Index
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