Refractive index
The refractive index is a measure of how much light slows down and changes direction when it passes through a material, compared to air. It describes how much light bends when entering a new medium, such as water or glass. A higher refractive index means light travels slower in that material. For example, water has a refractive index of about 1.33, meaning light slows down and bends when moving from air into water, causing objects to appear distorted or shifted. This property is crucial for lenses in glasses, cameras, and other optical devices.
Additional Insights
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The refractive index is a measure of how much light bends when it passes through a material. It compares the speed of light in a vacuum to its speed in that material. A higher refractive index means that light travels slower in the material, causing it to bend more. For example, when light moves from air into water, it slows down and changes direction, which is why objects underwater appear distorted. Understanding refractive index is important in lens design, optics, and various scientific applications.