Refraction and Refractive Index

Vocabulary flashcards covering the concepts of light refraction, optical density, and refractive index calculations based on lecture notes.

Refraction

The phenomenon where a ray of light enters obliquely from one medium to another of different optical densities and undergoes a deviation at the surface of separation of the mediums.

Optical density

A property of a medium related to its refractive index that determines the ability of light to undergo refraction in that medium.

Refractive index (n)

The ratio of the speed of light in vacuum to the speed of light in the medium.

Refractive index formula

$$\text{Refractive index (n)} = \frac{\text{The speed of light in vacuum (c)}}{\text{The speed of light in the medium (v)}}$$

Speed of light in vacuum (c)

$$3 \times 10^8\,m/s$$

Refractive index of Air

$$\frac{3 \times 10^8\,m/s}{3 \times 10^8\,m/s} = 1$$

Speed of light in Glass

$2 \times 10^8\,m/s$ based on Table 1.2.

Speed of light in Water

$2.25 \times 10^8\,m/s$ based on Table 1.2.

Surface of separation

The boundary between two different mediums where a ray of light undergoes deviation during refraction.