How to Calculate and Solve for Index of Refraction | Optical Properties
Last Updated on July 16, 2022
The index of refraction is illustrated by the image below.
To compute for index of refraction, two essential parameters are needed and these parameters are Velocity of Light (C) and Velocity of Light in Medium (v).
The formula for calculating index of refraction:
n = C/v
Where:
n = Index of Refraction
C = Velocity of Light
v = Velocity of Light in Medium
Given an example;
Find the index of refraction when the velocity of light is 48 and the velocity of light in medium is 12.
This implies that;
C = Velocity of Light = 48
v = Velocity of Light in Medium = 12
n = C/v
n = 48/12
n = 4
Therefore, the index of refraction is 4.
Calculating the Velocity of Light when the Index of Refraction and the Velocity of Light in Medium is Given.
C = nv
Where:
C = Velocity of Light
n = Index of Refraction
v = Velocity of Light in Medium
Let’s solve an example;
Find the velocity of light when the index of refraction is 10 and the velocity of light in medium is 4.
This implies that;
n = Index of Refraction = 10
v = Velocity of Light in Medium = 4
C = nv
C = (10)(4)
C = 40
Therefore, the velocity of light is 40.
Calculating the Velocity of Light in Medium when the Index of Refraction and the Velocity of Light is Given.
v = C / n
Where:
v = Velocity of Light in Medium
n = Index of Refraction
C = Velocity of Light
Let’s solve an example;
Find the velocity of light in medium when the index of refraction is 12 and the velocity of light is 36.
This implies that;
n = Index of Refraction = 12
C = Velocity of Light = 36
v = C / n
v = 36 / 12
v = 3
Therefore, the velocity of light in medium is 3.
Nickzom Calculator – The Calculator Encyclopedia is capable of calculating the index of refraction.
To get the answer and workings of the index of refraction using the Nickzom Calculator – The Calculator Encyclopedia. First, you need to obtain the app.
You can get this app via any of these means:
Web – https://www.nickzom.org/calculator-plus
To get access to the professional version via web, you need to register and subscribe to have utter access to all functionalities.
You can also try the demo version via https://www.nickzom.org/calculator
Android (Paid) – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.nickzom.nickzomcalculator
Android (Free) – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nickzom.nickzomcalculator
Apple (Paid) – https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nickzom-calculator/id1331162702?mt=8
Once, you have obtained the calculator encyclopedia app, proceed to the Calculator Map, then click on Materials and Metallurgical under Engineering.
Now, Click on Optical Properities under Materials and Metallurgical
Now, Click on Index of Refraction under Optical Properities
The screenshot below displays the page or activity to enter your values, to get the answer for the index of refraction according to the respective parameter which is the Velocity of Light (C) and Velocity of Light in Medium (v).
Now, enter the values appropriately and accordingly for the parameters as required by the Velocity of Light (C) is 36 and Velocity of Light in Medium (v) is 12.
Finally, Click on Calculate
As you can see from the screenshot above, Nickzom Calculator– The Calculator Encyclopedia solves for the index of refraction and presents the formula, workings and steps too.
