Question

For a certain optical medium the speed of light varies from a low value of 1.80 × 10 8 m/s for violet light to a high value of 1.92 × 10 8 m/s for red light. Calculate the range of the index of refraction n of the material for visible light.

Answer 1

1.56 - 1.67

Step-by-step explanation:

Refractive index of any material is given as the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in that medium.

Mathematically, it is given as:

n = c/v

Where c is the speed of light in a vacuum and v is the speed of light in the medium.

Given that the speed of light in the optical medium varies from 1.8 * 10^8 m/s to 1.92 * 10^8 m/s, we can find the range of the refractive index.

When the speed is 1.8 * 10^8 m/s, the refractive index is:

n = (3 * 10^8) / (1.8 * 10^8)

n = 1.67

When the speed is 1.92 * 10^8 m/s, the refractive index is:

n = (3 * 10^8) / (1.92 * 10^8)

n = 1.56

Therefore, the range of values of the refractive index of the optical medium is 1.56 - 1.67.