Question

Name two factors on which the refractive index of a medium depends? State how does it depend on the factors stated by you.

Answer 1

The two factors on which the refractive index of a medium depends are:

1. Nature of a medium i.e., its optical density (e.g. ${\mu }_g$ = 1.5, ${\mu }_w$ = 1.33). Smaller the speed of light in a medium relative to air, higher is the refractive index of that medium.
2. Physical condition such as temperature – with an increase in temperature, the speed of light in medium increases, so the refractive index of the medium decreases.