Index of Refraction Calculator

The index of refraction calculator helps to find the absolute and relative refractive index of any medium.

The index of refraction is necessary to know the wavelength of light in a certain medium

What Is a Refractive Index?

The refractive index describes how light propagates through a medium like air, water, glass, etc. 

It is a dimensionless quantity and is measured when light enters from one medium to another. The refractive index measures the change in speed and wavelength of light from one medium to another. The refractive index of various mediums can be calculated by the refractive index calculator. 

The Index of Refraction Formula:

The index of refraction of a given medium can be calculated by dividing the speed of light through the medium and space. 

The index of refraction formula is given as:

      n = c/v

You need to understand the index of refraction equation is a simple ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum and in a medium.

Where:

n = Refraction index

c = Speed of light in vacuum which is 299,792.46 km/s

v = Speed of light is a medium

The index of refraction calculation is normally between 1 and 2, and it is never less than 1. As there is nothing in the universe that can travel faster than the speed of light in a vacuum. The index of refraction calculator is a simple way to find the absolute and the relative refraction.

How to Find Index of Refraction?

Find the refractive index of water at 20 degrees, if the speed of light the light through water is 224900.6 Km/s. Then how to measure an index of refraction of water.

Solution:

     n = c/v

Now the speed of light through a vacuum = 299,792.46 km/s

Then 

 n = 299,792.46 km/s/224900.6 Km/s

n = 1.333

You can calculate the absolute and relative refractive index of a medium with the refractive index calculator.

Chart of Refractive Index:

The refractive index of various mediums is given by:

Working of the Index of Refraction Calculator:

Let’s see how the refractive index calculator can be used to find the refractive index of various mediums.

Input:

• Select the absolute or relative refractive index
• Select the medium 
• Enter the speed of light in the respective medium
• Hit the calculate button 

Output:

• The refractive index of the medium

FAQs:

What Is the Difference Between Absolute and Relative Refractive Index?

The absolute refractive index is the angle of refraction in a medium and the relative index is a comparison between two mediums like air and water. The index refraction calculator is actually designed to calculate both the relative and absolute refraction index.

What Does the Index of Refraction Directly Measure?

The refractive index equation actually measures the bending of the ray of light when entering from one medium to another. The main reason for bending is the change in the wavelength of light in various mediums.

What Is the Index of Refraction of Glass?

The index of refraction of glass is 1.52 which is relatively higher as compared to other mediums. You can find the refraction angle ratio by the index of the refraction calculator to determine the wavelength of light in a medium.

References:

From the source of Wikipedia: Refractive Index Equation, How to calculate Index of Refraction?

From the source of Spie.org: The Refractive Index Formula, How to find Index of Refraction?