Created By : Naaz Fatima

Reviewed By : Phani Ponnapalli

Last Updated : May 18, 2023


The Index of Refraction Calculator will calculate the refractive index of any media given its speed of light. Simply enter the information and press the calculate button to obtain the index of refraction in a matter of seconds.

Mode:
Choose a Calculation
Speed in vacuum (c)
Speed in medium (v)
Index of Refraction:

Refractive Index Definition and Formula

The refractive index often known as the index of refraction, explains how light propagates through a medium. It's a one-dimensional variable that governs how much light bends (refracts) when it passes through a different medium. Refraction is defined as a change in the wave's speed and wavelength.

The Formula for the Index of Refraction is the proportion between the speed of light in vacuum and the speed of light in the evaluated medium is defined as the index of refraction of any media. The equation for refractive index is:

Refractive Index n=c/v

  • where, c be the Speed of Light in Vaccum and its value is 299,792.46 km/s
  • v be the speed of light in medium
  • n be the index of refraction

How to Calculate the Index of Refraction?

Estimate the index of refraction, use the basic steps outlined below, they are along the following lines

  • Determine the speed of light in the medium under consideration. Let's suppose that the speed is 228,850 km/s.
  • Next, divide the speed of light by the speed of the medium being studied.
  • The refractive index of the medium is the value obtained by press the calculate button.
  • Finally,you can determine the angle of refraction using this value using our reflective index calculator,.

Friction, acceleration due to gravity, water pressure, gravity, and many other topics, as well as their corresponding calculators, are all available on physicscalculatorpro.com

Refractive Index Example

Question 1: In the index of refrection of diamond is 2.3 then what is the speed of light in diamond if its speed in a vacuum is 2.50*108m/s

Solution:

Consider the problem

We have the inputs

The index of refrection of diamond, n=2.3

The speed in a vacuum, c=2.50*108m/s

The speed of light, v =?

We know that, the Index of refrectionn=c/v

By substituting the inputs in the previous formula, we get the following equation.

Index of refrection, 2.3=2.50*108/v

The speed of light in diamond,v=(2.50*10)/2.3

Therefore, The speed of light in diamond is 1.09*10 m/s

FAQs on Index of Refraction Calculator

1. What exactly is the refractive index?

The refractive index, commonly known as the index of refraction, is a measurement of a ray of light bends when it passes through one medium and into another.

2. In which cases does Snell's Law not apply?

When the angle of incidence is zero, Snell's Law does not apply because the angle of refraction is likewise zero.


3. What exactly is the refractive index?

The velocity of light 'c' of a specific wavelength in blank space divided by its velocity 'v' in a substance is known as the refractive index.The Refractive Index Equation n=c/v can be used to calculate the Index of Refraction. Where,

  • c be the Speed of Light in Vaccum and its value is 299,792.46 km/s
  • v be the speed of light in medium
  • n be the index of refraction

 


4. What happens when the refractive index rises?

The density of the medium increases with a high refractive index and the lave wave travels gradually and resulting in a change in light direction.

5. What is the relation between refractive index and wavelength?

The wavelength is inversely proportional to the refractive index of the material in which the wave is travelling.