Enter the speed of light and the speed of light in a medium, and this calculator will determine the index of refraction. The index fraction is calculated with the formula presented below. This formula is also known as Snell’s Law.
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Index of Refraction Formula
The formula for calculating a refraction index is as follows:
n = c / v
- Where n is the index of refraction
- c is the speed of light in a vacuum = 299,792.46km/s
- v is the speed of light in a given medium
To calculate an index of refraction, divide the speed of light in a vacuum by the speed of light in the medium.
Index of Refraction Definition
An index of refraction is the ratio of the speed of light through a vacuum with respect to the speed of light through some other medium, such as water.
How to calculate index of refraction?
How to calculate index of refraction?
- First, determine the speed of light in a vacuum.
The speed of light in a vacuum is known to be 299,792.46 km/s.
- Next, measure the speed of light in the medium.
For example, the speed of light through water is 225,000.00 km/s.
- Finally, calculate the index of refraction.
Using the formula above and values from steps 1 and 2, calculate the index of refraction.
FAQ
An index of refraction is the ratio of the speed of light through a vacuum with respect to the speed of light through some other medium, such as water.
