What are the two types of refractive index?
GeneralClass 12AllAnswered 27 Mar 2026
Answer
The two main types are:
- Absolute Refractive Index: The refractive index of a medium measured relative to vacuum (or air, which is approximately 1). This is the standard definition, written as n = c/v.
- Relative Refractive Index: The refractive index of one medium relative to another medium (not vacuum). Calculated as n₂₁ = n₂/n₁, it describes how light bends when moving between two specific materials.
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