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

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Jasmine Grover

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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.

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CBSE CLASS XII Related Questions

  • 1.

    An electron is revolving around a proton in a circular orbit of radius $r$. Using classical physics, prove that the ratio of value of the angular momentum and the value of magnetic moment of electron revolving in the orbit is a constant.


      • 2.

        A rectangular loop of size 5 cm $\times$ 8 cm is lying in the $x$-$y$ plane in a uniform magnetic field $\vec{B} = (2.0\ \text{T})\hat{k}$. The total magnetic flux linked with the loop is:

          • 80 Wb
          • 16 Wb
          • \(8 \times 10^{-2}\) Wb
          • \(8 \times 10^{-3}\) Wb

        • 3.
          In a region, the electric potential varies as \(V = 10 - 50x\), where \(V\) is in volts and \(x\) is in meters. The electric field in the region is

            • \(10\ \text{N/C}\) along \(+x\)
            • \(10\ \text{N/C}\) along \(-x\)
            • \(50\ \text{N/C}\) along \(+x\)
            • \(50\ \text{N/C}\) along \(-x\)

          • 4.

            The number of free electrons per unit volume ($\text{m}^3$) in a wire made of copper (resistivity $1.72 \times 10^{-8}\,\Omega\,\text{m}$) is $8.5 \times 10^{28}$. Calculate the average number of collisions made by an electron in one second when an electric field is maintained in the wire.


              • 5.

                (I) The real image of an object placed between $f$ and $2f$ from a convex lens can be seen on a screen placed at the image location. If the screen is removed, is the image still there? Explain.

                (II) Plane and convex mirrors produce virtual images of objects. Can they produce real images under some circumstances? Explain.


                  • 6.
                    A current of \(4.0\,\text{A}\) flows through a wire of length \(1\,\text{m}\) and cross-sectional area \(1.0\,\text{mm}^2\), when a potential difference of \(2\,\text{V}\) is applied across its ends. Calculate the resistivity of the material of the wire.

                      CBSE CLASS XII Previous Year Papers

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