which of the following values represents an index of refraction of an actual material
a 0
b 1/4
c 1/2
d 5/4
The Index of Refraction is the ratio
of the speed of light in a vacuum to
the speed of light in some other material. The speed of light is highest
in a vacuum.Therefore, the index of refraction is always greater than 1.
Answer: d.
Questions. And answer
To determine which of the values represents an index of refraction of an actual material, we need to understand what the index of refraction is.
The index of refraction, denoted by the symbol 'n,' is a measure of how much light propagates or bends when it enters a medium from another medium. It is a dimensionless quantity, and typical values for materials range from about 1 to around 2.5. The exact value depends on the specific material and the wavelength of light.
Now, let's compare the given values to typical ranges for the index of refraction of real materials:
a) 0: This value is too low. The index of refraction cannot be zero.
b) 1/4: This value is also too low. The index of refraction of real materials is typically higher than 1/4.
c) 1/2: While this value is closer to reality compared to the previous options, it is still comparatively low. The index of refraction generally ranges from around 1 to 2.5, so this value is still too low.
d) 5/4: This value is higher than 1, which is a good sign. The index of refraction can be greater than 1, and a value of 5/4 is within the typical range.
Based on the given options, the value 5/4 (option d) represents an index of refraction of an actual material.