Question

Speed of light in medium (1) and medium (2) are \( v_1 \) and \( v_2 \) respectively, then the refractive index of medium (1) with respect to medium (2) is:

• A. \( \frac{v_1}{v_2} \)
• B. \( \frac{v_2}{v_1} \)
• C. \( v_1 \times v_2 \)
• D. \( v_1 + v_2 \)

Hint:

The refractive index of medium 1 with respect to medium 2 gives the relative speed of light in the two media. The formula is: \[ n_{1,2} = \frac{v_1}{v_2} \]

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The refractive index \( n \) of a medium is defined as the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum \( c \) to the speed of light in the medium. For two mediums (1) and (2), the refractive index of medium (1) with respect to medium (2) is given by: \[ n_{1,2} = \frac{v_1}{v_2} \] where \( v_1 \) is the speed of light in medium (1) and \( v_2 \) is the speed of light in medium (2).