Question

The refractive index of diamond is ..................

• A. 2.42
• B. 1.54
• C. 1.36
• D. 1.50

Hint:

The refractive index of diamond is high due to its dense atomic structure, causing light to slow down significantly.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The refractive index (or index of refraction) of a material is a measure of how much light slows down as it passes through the material compared to its speed in a vacuum. The refractive index is given by the ratio of the speed of light in vacuum to the speed of light in the material. For diamond, the refractive index is known to be approximately 2.42, which means that light travels slower in diamond than in air or vacuum. • (A) 2.42: Correct. The refractive index of diamond is 2.42. • (B) 1.54: Incorrect. This value corresponds to glass, not diamond. • (C) 1.36: Incorrect. This refractive index is lower and doesn't correspond to diamond. • (D) 1.50: Incorrect. This is the refractive index of water or glass, not diamond. Thus, the correct refractive index of diamond is 2.42. Final Answer: (A) 2.42.