Refractive index

Definition

Refractive index is a measure of how much light bends, or refracts, when entering a different medium. It is a dimensionless number that indicates how light propagates through that medium.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The refractive index of air is approximately 1.0003, while the refractive index of water is about 1.33.
2. Microscopes use lenses with specific refractive indices to magnify images and resolve fine details.
3. A higher refractive index means that light travels more slowly through the material and bends more sharply at the interface.
4. Refractive index can affect image clarity and resolution in optical instruments used in microbiology.
5. Snell's Law relates the angle of incidence and refraction to the refractive indices of two different media.

Review Questions

Related terms

Snell's Law:

A formula used to describe the relationship between angles of incidence and refraction for light crossing the boundary between two media.

Resolution:

The ability of an optical system to distinguish between two points as separate entities.

Medium: A substance through which light propagates, such as air, water, or glass.