Question

Which of these media has the highest refractive index?

• A. Glass
• B. Air
• C. Diamond
• D. water

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Diamond

Option (C) is correct here.

An explanation for the correct option -

The refractive index of a diamond is = $2.42$

Refractive Index - Refractive index of a medium is also defined as the ratio of the speed of light in air or vacuum to the speed of light in that medium. If the speed of light in air is ‘c’ and the speed of light in the medium is ‘v’ then the refractive index ‘n’ of the medium is articulated as,

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

An explanation for incorrect options -

Option (A) - The refractive index of glass is - $1.5$

Option (B) - The refractive index of air is - $1.00$

Option (D) - The refractive index of water is - $1.33$

Hence, option (C) is correct.