Which one of the following statements concerning the index of refraction for a given material is true?
A)The index of refraction may be less than 1.
B)The index of refraction may be measured in nanometers.
C)The index of refraction does not depend on the frequency of the incident light.
D)For a given frequency,the index of refraction is inversely proportional to the wavelength of light in vacuum.
E)For a given frequency,the index of refraction is inversely proportional to the wavelength of light in the material.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The index of refraction for a given material is defined as the ratio of the speed of light in vacuum to the speed of light in the material. It is dependent on the wavelength/frequency of the incident light and determines how much the light bends when passing through the material. The correct statement is that for a given frequency, the index of refraction is inversely proportional to the wavelength of light in the material. Therefore, choice E is the correct answer. Choices A and B are incorrect as the index of refraction is always greater than or equal to 1, and is a unitless quantity. Choice C is incorrect as the index of refraction is frequency-dependent. Choice D is incorrect as the index of refraction is inversely proportional to the wavelength of light in the material, not in vacuum.

Which One of the Following Statements Concerning the Index of Refraction