Hi,

I have a question that I don't know if I am on the right track to answering.

If two samples of organic liquids give the same refractive index reading, are the two liquids the same?

I know the refractometer is a very precise instrument - up to 8 decimal places. It measures the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum over the speed of light in a medium. Therefore, the refractive index based on the density of the medium (the liquid sample itself) that the light is moving though. If the two liquids had the same density, then they could have the refractive index.

Am I going in the right direction? Is this right?

Thanks in advance for the help!
Tara

No. This is because, the boiling point and or the funtional group of the liquid may be different so a text for positively must be conducted.

Hi Tara,

You are definitely on the right track with your thinking! The refractive index is indeed the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in a medium. It is a measure of how much the direction of light bends when it passes from one medium to another.

Now, when it comes to organic liquids, the refractive index can be influenced by various factors such as temperature, pressure, and the composition of the liquid. Two different liquids can have the same refractive index if these factors are the same for both of them. However, it doesn't necessarily mean that the two liquids are the same.

To determine whether two liquids are the same based on their refractive index, you would need additional information. One common method is to compare the refractive index of the unknown liquid to a known standard or reference liquid. By comparing their refractive indices, you can determine if they match or if there is a significant difference.

In addition to refractive index, other physical and chemical properties like boiling point, density, and molecular structure can also be used to confirm the identity of the liquids. So, considering the refractive index is a good start, but it is important to combine it with other data to draw conclusions about the similarity of the liquids.

I hope this helps clarify your question. Let me know if there's anything else I can assist you with!