Refractive Index Calculator
The refractive index calculator can assist you with calculating the refractive index of any given medium. On the other hand, you may think about using it to determine the speed of light within a translucent material as well. Continue to read and you will be able to learn more about the refractive index formula and how to use it.
What is refractive index?
The index of refraction or the refractive index explains how light propagates through a given material. Refractive index is a dimensionless quantity. It would determine how the light is refracted or bent when it is moves from one medium to another. Here, refraction refers to the change in the wavelength and speed of a wave.
Refractive Index EquationRefractive index associated with a medium is considered as the proportion of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in the given medium. The equation for calculating refractive index is as follows:
Where:
c – Speed of light in a vacuum – which is 299,792,466 m/s v – speed of light in the given medium n – refractive index |
Refractive Index Calculator |
In general, the value of refractive index usually lies in between 1 and 2. However, you can also find some higher values. However, there is no possibility for the refractive index to go under 1. That’s because nothing in this universe can travel at a faster speed than the speed of light.
What does Refractive Index measure?
The refractive index is capable of measuring the speed of light through a specific material. If you want to understand how fast light would travel across a given material, you may think about using this equation. For example, let’s assume that you will use the above calculator and get a refractive index measuring 2. Then it means that the material that you considered makes light travel two times slower when compared to its usual speed in free space.
How fast would light travel through water?
You will be able to use the refractive index calculator in order to determine how fast light would travel across water as well. The refractive index associated with water is determined as 1.333. By using this number, you can use the above calculator to determine how fast light would travel across water. However, it is also important to keep in mind that the refractive index in a medium is impacted by its temperature. When you contribute to increase temperature of water, it would become less dense. As a result, an ideal environment will be created for light to travel faster. This would make the refractive index go down as well.
What would be the Refractive Index associated with glass?
Glass that we use on windows come along with a refractive index of 1.52. However, it varies from one type of glass to another as well. For example, crown glass would have a refractive index of 1.50 whereas Pyrex and fused silica have refractive indexes of 1.470 and 1.458 respectively.
Can you calculate the speed of light with Refractive Index?
Yes, it is even possible for you to calculate the speed of light with refractive index. This is where you will need to multiply the refractive index of a specific material by the speed where light would travel through the same material. If you can do this experiment for the right material, you will be able to make your life easy with measuring the speed of light.