Index Of Refraction (Noun)
Meaning
The ratio of the velocity of light in a vacuum to that in a medium.
Classification
Nouns denoting relations between people or things or ideas.
Examples
- The index of refraction of a diamond is 2.42, which is one of the highest among naturally occurring materials.
- The index of refraction of water is approximately 1.33, which is why objects appear distorted when viewed underwater.
- The index of refraction of air is close to 1.0, but it can vary slightly depending on temperature and humidity.
- The index of refraction of glass is typically around 1.5, which is why lenses made of glass can bend light.
- The index of refraction of a medium can be used to calculate the angle of refraction when light passes from one medium to another.