
The refractive index of ruby is 1.76. What is the meaning of this statement in relation to the speed of light.
Answer
141k+ views
Hint: Refractive index depends on a medium with respect to air is defined as the speed of light in air to the speed of light in that material. Therefore, the refractive index of air is 1. Any medium with density greater than that of air will have a higher refractive index or a lower speed of light.
Complete step-by-step solution
Refractive index of light is given as the ratio of sin of angle of incidence to the sine of angle of refraction. It is given as
Where i is the angle of incidence of light
R is the angle of refraction of light
This refractive index can also be written in the form of speed of light as
Where c is the speed of light in vacuum
V is the speed of light in the medium.
As refractive index of ruby is 1.76, it means that speed of light in this medium is reduced by a factor of 1.76 times the original value
Note: The refractive index of a material can also be written in the form of wavelength of , this equation is known as the cauchy’s equation. However, Cauchy's equation is only valid for visible spectrum of light. It fails when we take into consideration the wavelength of infrared or any other wave.
Complete step-by-step solution
Refractive index of light is given as the ratio of sin of angle of incidence to the sine of angle of refraction. It is given as
Where i is the angle of incidence of light
R is the angle of refraction of light
This refractive index can also be written in the form of speed of light as
Where c is the speed of light in vacuum
V is the speed of light in the medium.
As refractive index of ruby is 1.76, it means that speed of light in this medium is reduced by a factor of 1.76 times the original value
Note: The refractive index of a material can also be written in the form of wavelength of
Latest Vedantu courses for you
Grade 10 | MAHARASHTRABOARD | SCHOOL | English
Vedantu 10 Maharashtra Pro Lite (2025-26)
School Full course for MAHARASHTRABOARD students
₹33,300 per year
EMI starts from ₹2,775 per month
Recently Updated Pages
Difference Between Circuit Switching and Packet Switching

Difference Between Mass and Weight

JEE Main Participating Colleges 2024 - A Complete List of Top Colleges

JEE Main Maths Paper Pattern 2025 – Marking, Sections & Tips

Sign up for JEE Main 2025 Live Classes - Vedantu

JEE Main 2025 Helpline Numbers - Center Contact, Phone Number, Address

Trending doubts
JEE Main 2025 Session 2: Application Form (Out), Exam Dates (Released), Eligibility, & More

JEE Main 2025: Derivation of Equation of Trajectory in Physics

JEE Main Exam Marking Scheme: Detailed Breakdown of Marks and Negative Marking

Learn About Angle Of Deviation In Prism: JEE Main Physics 2025

Electric Field Due to Uniformly Charged Ring for JEE Main 2025 - Formula and Derivation

JEE Main 2025: Conversion of Galvanometer Into Ammeter And Voltmeter in Physics

Other Pages
Units and Measurements Class 11 Notes: CBSE Physics Chapter 1

JEE Advanced Marks vs Ranks 2025: Understanding Category-wise Qualifying Marks and Previous Year Cut-offs

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Physics Chapter 1 Units and Measurements

Motion in a Straight Line Class 11 Notes: CBSE Physics Chapter 2

Important Questions for CBSE Class 11 Physics Chapter 1 - Units and Measurement

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Physics Chapter 2 Motion In A Straight Line
