Refractive Index
Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
The refractive index of a medium is a measure of how much light slows down when it enters the medium.
About Refractive Index
- A larger refractive index is a higher optical density and represents a slower speed of light through the medium.
- A smaller refractive index is a lower optical density and represents a faster speed of light through the medium.
Key Stage 4
Meaning
The refractive index of a medium is a measure of how much light slows down when it enters the medium.
About Refractive Index
- A larger refractive index is a higher optical density and represents a slower speed of light through the medium.
- A smaller refractive index is a lower optical density and represents a faster speed of light through the medium.
- Light refracts when it enters a new medium due to the change in speed caused by the difference in optical density.