Question

Define the terms isotropic and anisotropic medium.

Answer 1

Isotropic medium:

• Isotropic medium in which all the properties are uniform and are independent of direction.
• Amorphous solids are isotropic in nature.

Properties of an isotropic medium:

• It does not depend upon the direction.
• It has only one refractive index.
• The chemical bonding between them is consistent.
• In an isotropic medium the velocity of light is the same in all directions.
• No double refraction takes place.
• For example, glass

Anisotropic medium:

• Anisotropic medium refers to the medium in which the properties are different in all directions.
• Crystalline solids are anisotropic in nature.

Properties of an anisotropic medium:

• It is direction-dependent.
• It has more than one refractive index.
• The chemical bonding between them is uncertain.
• The velocity of light is the difference in all directions in an anisotropic medium.
• Double refraction takes place.
• For example, wood