🧲ap physics 2 review

Index of refraction (n)

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025

Definition

The index of refraction (n) is defined as the ratio of the speed of light in vacuum to its speed in another medium. It quantifies how much light slows down when passing through different materials.

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