How to calculate the refractive index of light?
GeneralClass 12AllAnswered 27 Mar 2026
Answer
To calculate the refractive index experimentally:
- Using angles: Measure the angle of incidence (i) and angle of refraction (r), then calculate n = sin i/sin r
- Using speed: Measure the speed of light in the medium (v), then calculate n = c/v
- Using wavelength: Measure wavelengths in vacuum (λ₀) and in the medium (λ), then calculate n = λ₀/λ
The most common classroom method uses a glass block, protractor, and ray box to measure angles.
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