Question

Obtain the relation between the refractive index of the second medium with respect to the first medium and the refractive index of the first medium with respect to the second medium.

Answer 1

Let v₁ = speed of light in the first medium, v₂ = speed of light in the second medium, ₂n₁ = refractive index of the second medium With respect to the first medium and ₁n₂ = refractive index of the first medium with respect to the second medium.

By definition, ₂n₁ = \(\frac{v_1}{v_2}\) and ₁n₂ = \(\frac{v_2}{v_1}\)

Hence,

₁n₂ = \(\frac{1}{_2n_1}\)

(OR)

₁n₂ × ₂n₁ = 1.