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Physicsissuef
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why some materials have bigger refractive index than others? Let's say why air have 1.003 refractive index, and quartz glass 1.46?
Physicsissuef said:why some materials have bigger refractive index than others? Let's say why air have 1.003 refractive index, and quartz glass 1.46?
John Creighto said:The refractive index depends upon the dielectric constant and the magnetic permeability.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refractive_index
Yes. In optical media, the refractive index depends almost exclusively on the electric permittivity of the medium, which in turn depends on the characteristics of the atomic and molecular bonds within the medium.Physicsissuef said:Ok, I understand something. But is it actually the atoms and molecules and their bonds?
Refractive index is a measure of how much light bends when it enters a material. It is determined by the material's physical properties, such as its density and composition. Therefore, different materials will have different refractive indices based on their unique characteristics.
The refractive index of a material can be affected by several factors, including the density of the material, the wavelength of light passing through it, and the temperature and pressure of the material. In general, materials with higher density will have a higher refractive index.
The refractive index determines how much light will bend as it passes through a material. This bending, called refraction, is what allows us to see objects through lenses and glasses. A higher refractive index means that light will bend more, leading to a stronger focusing effect.
The refractive index of a material is dependent on its atomic and molecular structure. Materials with tightly packed molecules and atoms, such as glass, will have a higher refractive index compared to materials with more loosely arranged particles, such as air.
Yes, the refractive index of a material can be altered by changing its physical properties, such as its density or temperature. This is commonly done in the production of lenses and other optical materials to achieve specific refractive indices for different purposes.