Question

Refractive index depends on the __________of light

Answer 1

Refractive index:

1. The refractive index of a medium is inversely proportional to the velocity of light which means the refractive index of a medium rises, and the speed of light going through that medium decreases.

Formula to calculate the refractive index:

$n=\frac{c}{v}$

n = refractive index

c = speed of light

v = phase velocity of light

Factors of refractive index

1. The Refractive index of a substance depends upon the permittivity and permeability of the substance.
2. It depends on the wavelength of light, for the light of a lower wavelength higher will be the refractive index.
3. It also depends on the density of the substance and mainly on the intermolecular force between the molecules of the material.

Hence, the refractive index depends on the wavelength of light.