How to Calculate and Solve for Index of Refraction | Optical Properties

The index of refraction is illustrated by the image below. To calculate index of refraction, two essential parameters are needed and these parameters are Velocity of Light (C) and Velocity of Light in Medium (v).

The formula for calculating index of refraction:

n = C/v

Where:

n = Index of Refraction
C = Velocity of Light
v = Velocity of Light in Medium

Given an example;
Find the index of refraction when the velocity of light is 48 and the velocity of light in medium is 12.

This implies that;

C = Velocity of Light = 48
v = Velocity of Light in Medium = 12

n = C/v
That is, n = 48/12
n = 4

Therefore, the index of refraction is 4.

Calculating the Velocity of Light when the Index of Refraction and the Velocity of Light in Medium are Given.

C = nv

Where:

C = Velocity of Light
n = Index of Refraction
v = Velocity of Light in Medium

Let’s solve an example;
Find the velocity of light when the index of refraction is 10 and the velocity of light in medium is 4.

This implies that;

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n = Index of Refraction = 10
v = Velocity of Light in Medium = 4

C = nv
So, C = (10)(4)
C = 40

Therefore, the velocity of light is 40.

Read more: How to Calculate and Solve for Velocity of Light in Medium | Optical Properties

Calculating the Velocity of Light in Medium when the Index of Refraction and the Velocity of Light are Given

v = C / n

Where:

v = Velocity of Light in Medium
n = Index of Refraction
C = Velocity of Light

Let’s solve an example;
Find the velocity of light in medium when the index of refraction is 12 and the velocity of light is 36.

This implies that;

n = Index of Refraction = 12
C = Velocity of Light = 36

v = C / n
That is, v = 36 / 12
v = 3

Therefore, the velocity of light in medium is 3.

How to Calculate the Index of Refraction With Nickzom Calculator

Nickzom Calculator – The Calculator Encyclopedia is capable of calculating the index of refraction.

To get the answer and workings of the index of refraction using the Nickzom Calculator – The Calculator Encyclopedia. First, you need to obtain the app.

You can get this app via any of these means:

Web – https://www.nickzom.org/calculator-plus

To get access to the professional version via web, you need to register and subscribe to have utter access to all functionalities.
You can also try the demo version via https://www.nickzom.org/calculator

Android (Paid) – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.nickzom.nickzomcalculator
Android (Free) – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nickzom.nickzomcalculator

Apple (Paid) – https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nickzom-calculator/id1331162702?mt=8
Once, you have obtained the calculator encyclopedia app, proceed to the Calculator Map, then click on Materials and Metallurgical under Engineering.

Now, Click on Optical Properities under Materials and Metallurgical

Now, Click on Index of Refraction under Optical Properities

The screenshot below displays the page or activity to enter your values, to get the answer for the index of refraction according to the respective parameter which is the Velocity of Light (C) and Velocity of Light in Medium (v).

How to Calculate and Solve for Index of Refraction | Optical Properties

Now, enter the values appropriately and accordingly for the parameters as required by the Velocity of Light (C) is 36 and Velocity of Light in Medium (v) is 12.

How to Calculate and Solve for Index of Refraction | Optical Properties

Finally, Click on Calculate

How to Calculate and Solve for Index of Refraction | Optical Properties

As you can see from the screenshot above, Nickzom Calculator– The Calculator Encyclopedia solves for the index of refraction and presents the formula, workings and steps too.

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