Final answer:
The refractive index of a sample can change due to the composition of the sample, temperature, pressure, and the wavelength of light.
Step-by-step explanation:
The refractive index of a sample can change due to several factors:
Composition of the sample: Different materials have different refractive indices. If the composition of the sample changes, such as by adding impurities or changing its chemical formula, the refractive index can change.Temperature: Changes in temperature can cause the refractive index of a material to change. For example, liquids may expand or contract with temperature, affecting their refractive index.Pressure: Changes in pressure can also alter the refractive index of a substance. High pressures can compress a material, changing its density and refractive properties.
Wavelength of light: The refractive index of a material can vary with different wavelengths of light. This phenomenon is called dispersion and is responsible for the separation of colors in a prism.