Chapter 40, Problem 1PLA

50639-40-1PLA                                                                                        AID: 1825 | 11/04/2020

To determine

The definition for the index of refraction.

Answer to Problem 1PLA

The index of refraction is the ratio of speed of light in vacuum to that of the speed of light in the material.

Explanation of Solution

The index of refraction or the refractive index of a material is the ratio of speed of light in vacuum to that of the speed of light in the respective material.

Write the formula to find the index of refraction

    $n=\frac{c}{v}$

Here, $n$ is the index of refraction, $c$ is the speed of light in vacuum and $v$ is the speed of light in the material.

Since index of refraction is the ratio of speed, it is a dimensionless number.

Conclusion:

The index of refraction is the ratio of speed of light in vacuum to that of the speed of light in the material.