1. What is the Refractive Index?

The refractive index (n) of a medium is a dimensionless number that describes how light propagates through that medium. It is defined as the ratio of the speed of light in vacuum to the speed of light in the medium.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the refractive index equation:

Where:

• \( n \) — Refractive index (dimensionless)
• \( \lambda_{vac} \) — Wavelength in vacuum (meters)
• \( \lambda_{med} \) — Wavelength in medium (meters)

Explanation: The refractive index can be calculated by comparing the wavelength of light in vacuum to its wavelength in the medium.

3. Importance of Refractive Index

Details: The refractive index is crucial in optics for designing lenses, understanding light propagation in different media, and in applications like fiber optics and spectroscopy.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both wavelengths in meters. Typical values are very small (e.g., 500 nm = 5.0 × 10^-7 m). Both values must be positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical range for refractive index?
A: For most common materials, n ranges from about 1.0 (vacuum) to 2.4 (diamond). Air is approximately 1.0003.

Q2: Does refractive index depend on wavelength?
A: Yes, this is called dispersion. Most materials have slightly different refractive indices for different wavelengths.

Q3: How precise should my wavelength measurements be?
A: For accurate results, measurements should be precise to at least 3 significant figures.

Q4: Can this calculator be used for all types of waves?
A: While the concept applies to all waves, this calculator is specifically designed for light waves.

Q5: What if my medium is absorbing at this wavelength?
A: The simple refractive index calculation may not be accurate for strongly absorbing media where complex refractive index should be considered.