Find out the answer to "Why is the index of refraction a unique..."

lurtzslikgtgjd

Answered question

2022-05-19

Why is the index of refraction a unique property of a medium?

Answer & Explanation

notemilyu1208

Beginner2022-05-20Added 20 answers

The refractive index of a medium depends on the electric and magnetic properties of the medium and as a result it is very unique is dependent on the way the medium responds to electric and magnetic fields.
The velocity of light in a medium,

v = \frac{1}{\sqrt{μ ϵ}}

where

μ

and

ϵ

are the magnetic permeability and electric permittivity of the medium respectively.
Also, velocity of light in vacuum,

c = \frac{1}{\sqrt{μ_{0} ϵ_{0}}}

where

ϵ_{0}

and

μ_{0}

are the permittivity and permeability of free space respectively.
Therefore, the refractive index,

n = \frac{c}{v} = \sqrt{\frac{ϵ μ}{ϵ_{0} μ_{0}}}

But,

ϵ_{0}

and

μ_{0}

are fundamental constants and hence n depends on electric and magnetic properties

ϵ

and

μ

of the medium which are unique of the medium.

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