
Refractive index of a glass with respect to water is (9/8). Refractive index of a glass with respect to air is (3/2). Find the refractive index of water with respect to air.
Answer
480.3k+ views
2 likes
Hint:The refractive index of a glass with respect to water and that with respect to air is already given in the problem. The refractive index of water with respect to air can be found out by using the formula of refractive index. The formula for the refractive index of medium 1 with respect to medium 2 is given by the division of the refractive index of medium 1 by the refractive index of medium 2.
Formula Used:The refractive index of medium 1 with respect to medium 2 is:
where, is the refractive index of medium 1 and
is the refractive index of medium 2
Complete step by step solution:The bending of ray of light on passing from one medium to another is called refraction. Refractive index is defined as the ratio of the velocity of light in the medium of incidence to that in the medium of refraction. The refractive index of medium 1 with respect to medium 2 is given as
Let the refractive indices of glass, water and air be , and respectively. It is given that the refractive index of a glass with respect to water is (9/8). Then,
Therefore,
Also, the refractive index of a glass with respect to air is (3/2).
Therefore,
The refractive index of water with respect to air is given as
Substituting the values of and
Therefore,
Thus, the refractive index of water with respect to air is .
Note: The problem is given with the particular values of refractive indices of a glass with respect to water and glass with respect to air. But the value of refractive index depends on the following factors:
● Nature of the media of incidence and refraction.
● Color of the light or the wavelength of light
● Temperature of the medium
Refractive index decreases with increase in temperature. Also, the refractive index is independent of the angle of incidence.
Formula Used:The refractive index of medium 1 with respect to medium 2 is:
where,
Complete step by step solution:The bending of ray of light on passing from one medium to another is called refraction. Refractive index is defined as the ratio of the velocity of light in the medium of incidence to that in the medium of refraction. The refractive index of medium 1 with respect to medium 2 is given as
Let the refractive indices of glass, water and air be
Therefore,
Also, the refractive index of a glass with respect to air is (3/2).
Therefore,
The refractive index of water with respect to air is given as
Substituting the values of
Therefore,
Thus, the refractive index of water with respect to air is
Note: The problem is given with the particular values of refractive indices of a glass with respect to water and glass with respect to air. But the value of refractive index depends on the following factors:
● Nature of the media of incidence and refraction.
● Color of the light or the wavelength of light
● Temperature of the medium
Refractive index decreases with increase in temperature. Also, the refractive index is independent of the angle of incidence.
Latest Vedantu courses for you
Grade 8 | CBSE | SCHOOL | English
Vedantu 8 CBSE Pro Course - (2025-26)
School Full course for CBSE students
₹45,300 per year
Recently Updated Pages
Master Class 11 Economics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Accountancy: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 English: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Social Science: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Physics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Biology: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Trending doubts
Which one is a true fish A Jellyfish B Starfish C Dogfish class 11 biology CBSE

State and prove Bernoullis theorem class 11 physics CBSE

1 ton equals to A 100 kg B 1000 kg C 10 kg D 10000 class 11 physics CBSE

One Metric ton is equal to kg A 10000 B 1000 C 100 class 11 physics CBSE

1 Quintal is equal to a 110 kg b 10 kg c 100kg d 1000 class 11 physics CBSE

Difference Between Prokaryotic Cells and Eukaryotic Cells
