refractive index Flashcards
1
Q
what happens when a wave slows down?
A
it bends towards the normal
2
Q
what happens when light enters glass/plastic?
A
it slows down to 2/3 speed in air
3
Q
when a wave hits a boundary at 90 degrees along normal it will…
A
not change direction but will slow down
4
Q
what happens when light hits a different medium?
A
some light will pass through and some will be reflected (depends on angle of incidence hitting the medium)
5
Q
what is the refractive index of a medium?
A
the ratio of speed of light in a vacuum to the medium it is in
6
Q
refractive index (n) = …
A
sin i / sin r
