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How does the refractive index of a medium depend on the wavelength of light used?

Refraction Plane Surfaces

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Answer

In a given medium, the speed of red light is maximum. Therefore, the refractive index of that medium is maximum for violet light and least for red light. (i.e. μviolet > μred).

The wavelength of visible light increases from violet to red end, so the refractive index of a medium decreases with increase in wavelength of light used.

Hence, the refractive index of a medium for violet light which has the least wavelength is greater than that for red light which has the greatest wavelength.

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