What are the two formulas of refractive index?
GeneralClass 12AllAnswered 27 Mar 2026
Answer
The two main formulas for calculating refractive index are:
- Speed-based formula: n = c/v (ratio of light speed in vacuum to light speed in the medium)
- Snell's Law formula: n₁ sin θ₁ = n₂ sin θ₂, which can be rearranged to find the relative refractive index: n₂₁ = n₂/n₁ = sin θ₁/sin θ₂
For a single medium relative to air/vacuum: n = sin i/sin r (where i is the angle of incidence and r is the angle of refraction)
Suggested Q&A
General · Class 12- GeneralClass 12Electric Field at Centre of Ring with Non-Uniform Charge Distribution. Four quadrants carry linear charge densities: +2λ, −2λ, +λ, −λ. Find electric field at centre.
- GeneralClass 12P°(hexane) = 408 Torr, P°(heptane) = 141 Torr. x(hexane) = 0.300. Find Y₆ and Y₇.
- GeneralClass 122N₂O₅(g) → 4NO₂(g) + O₂(g). Initial P = 50 mmHg; P at 30 min = 87.5 mmHg. Find P at 60 min.
- GeneralClass 12What is the difference between psychosis and neurosis?
- GeneralClass 12What is the difference between prism and a pyramid?
- GeneralClass 12What is the difference between phrase and clause?