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Refractive Index

Description: Refractive index refers to a fundamental optical property that determines how much light bends when crossing the boundary between two different mediums. It quantifies the speed at which light propagates in a particular material compared to its speed in a vacuum.

Senses:

1. Physics: In physics, refractive index measures the degree of bending of light as it passes through a substance, indicating how much the speed of light changes in that medium.
2. Optics: In optics, refractive index characterizes the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to its speed in a specific material, determining the amount of refraction that occurs when light enters or exits that substance.

Examples:

1. The refractive index of water is higher than that of air, causing light to bend when it enters water.
2. Scientists use refractive index to analyze the composition and quality of various materials.
3. When light travels from a medium with a low refractive index to a medium with a higher refractive index, it tends to bend towards the normal line.

Possible Related Products:

• Refractometer
• Optical Prism
• Light Refraction Kit