Define refractive index, absolute refractive index, and relative refractive index.

Jasmine Grover logo

Jasmine Grover

Education Journalist | Study Abroad Lead

Definitions:

Refractive Index

Refractive index is a measure of how much a material slows down light as it passes through it. It is defined as the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in the material.

  • The refractive index is denoted by the symbol "n", and it is a unitless quantity.
  • The refractive index is a fundamental property of a material, and it depends on the chemical composition and physical structure of the material.

Absolute Refractive Index

The absolute refractive index, also known as the refractive index, is a measure of the degree to which a material can bend light. It is the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in the material. It is a fundamental property of the material, and it depends on the chemical composition and physical structure of the material.

Relative Refractive Index

The relative refractive index is a measure of the difference in refractive index between two materials.

  • It is the ratio of the absolute refractive index of one material to the absolute refractive index of another material.
  • The relative refractive index is used to compare the refractive properties of different materials, and it is often used in optics and materials science.

Also Read:

CBSE CLASS XII Related Questions

  • 1.
    A charged particle $+q$ in an electric field $\vec{E}$ experiences a force in the direction of the electric field. As a result, its kinetic energy changes. Similarly, the charged particle also experiences a force when it moves in a magnetic field $\vec{B}$. But this magnetic force is perpendicular to both velocity $\vec{v}$ of the charged particle and the magnetic field $\vec{B}$, so it cannot change the kinetic energy of the charged particle. Consider two charged particles 1 and 2 of masses $m$ and $\frac{m}{2}$ having charges $-q$ and $+2q$ respectively. They are accelerated from rest through the same potential difference $V$ and acquire kinetic energy $K_1$ and $K_2$. Then they enter in a region of uniform magnetic field $\vec{B}$ perpendicular to their velocities.


      • 2.
        Capacitors are manufactured with certain standard capacitances and working voltages. However, these standard values may not be the ones that are actually needed in a particular application. Two or more capacitors can be grouped in series or in parallel to achieve desired capacitance and voltage. When connected in series, the total capacitance decreases while the voltage rating increases, whereas in parallel connections, the total capacitance increases and maintains the same voltage rating. A capacitor stores energy in the electric field between its plates and stored energy is proportional to the square of the voltage and capacitance $U = \frac{1}{2}CV^2$, where symbols have their usual meanings.
        Two capacitors, one of $3 \ \mu$F and the other of $6 \ \mu$F, are connected in series in the circuit as shown in the figure, for a long time. }


          • 3.
            Read the following paragraph and answer the questions that follow.
            In an experiment with convex lens of focal length f, the screen is fixed at a distance D from the object. A student slowly moves the lens away from the object towards the screen and finds that she is able to form sharp image of the object for two positions of the lens. The distance between these two positions of the lens is d.


              • 4.
                Read the following paragraph and answer the questions that follow.
                A p-type or n-type semiconductor can be converted into a p-n junction by doping it with suitable impurity. The motion of majority charge carriers causes diffusion current across the junction while the barrier electric field causes motion of minority carriers for drift current. In case of unbiased diode, the diffusion and drift currents are equal. This equilibrium is disturbed by the biasing batteries. Diodes, therefore, allow currents in one direction. This property of diode is used in making rectifiers.


                  • 5.
                    An astronomical telescope consists of two converging lenses. One of them of large aperture and large focal length is called objective lens and the other one, of smaller focal length and smaller aperture is called the eyepiece. It is used to see distant objects which are not seen clearly with naked eyes. The image formed by the objective lens acts as an object for the eyepiece and the final image produced by the eyepiece is magnified.


                      • 6.
                        The resistance of a metal wire at \( 20^\circ \text{C} \) is \( 1.05 \, \Omega \) and at \( 100^\circ \text{C} \) is \( 1.38 \, \Omega \). Determine the temperature coefficient of resistivity of this metal.

                          CBSE CLASS XII Previous Year Papers

                          Comments


                          No Comments To Show