Physics
How does the refractive index of a medium depend on the wavelength of light used?
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.
Related Questions
For which colour of white light, is the refractive index of a transparent medium
(i) the least
(ii) the most?
The refractive index of water with respect to air is aμw and of glass with respect to air is aμg. Express the refractive index of glass with respect to water.
How does the refractive index of a medium depend on its temperature?
Which colour of light travels fastest in any medium except air?