A container is filled with fluid 1 and the apparent depth of the fluid is 5 cm.The container is next filled with fluid 2,and the apparent depth of this fluid is 2 cm.What is the ratio of the indices of refraction of these fluids? A)n₁/n₂ = 2/5 B)n₁/n₂ = 5/2 C)n₁/n₂ = D)n₁/n₂ = E)More information is needed to find the ratio.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ratio of the indices of refraction of two fluids can be written as:
n1/n2 = (real depth of fluid 1) / (real depth of fluid 2)
By using the formula for apparent depth:
real depth = apparent depth / (refractive index)
The ratio of the refractive indices can be written as:
n1/n2 = (apparent depth of fluid 2 / refractive index of fluid 2) / (apparent depth of fluid 1 / refractive index of fluid 1)
Substituting the given values:
n1/n2 = (2/ n2)/(5/ n1)
Simplifying the equation, we get:
n1/n2 = 5/2

A Container Is Filled with Fluid 1 and the Apparent