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answered 27 Mar 2026How is refractive index measured?
A.VERIFIED ANSWERfact-checked by tutors
Refractive index can be measured using several methods:
- Refractometer: A specialized instrument that measures the critical angle or the amount of light bending
- Abbe refractometer: The most accurate laboratory instrument, using critical angle measurement
- Prism method: Measuring the angle of minimum deviation through a prism
- Apparent depth method: Comparing real and apparent depths in transparent liquids
- Spectrometer: Using the angle of refraction through a prism at different wavelengths
Modern digital refractometers provide quick, accurate readings for liquids and solid