relative index of refraction


noun Optics.

See under index of refraction.

Definition for relative index of refraction (2 of 2)

index of refraction

noun Optics.

a number indicating the speed of light in a given medium as either the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to that in the given medium (absolute index of refraction) or the ratio of the speed of light in a specified medium to that in the given medium (relative index of refraction). Symbol: n
Also called index, refractive index.

Origin of index of refraction

First recorded in 1820–30

British Dictionary definitions for relative index of refraction

index of refraction

noun

another name for refractive index

Scientific definitions for relative index of refraction

index of refraction

A measure of the extent to which a substance slows down light waves passing through it. The index of refraction of a substance is equal to the ratio of the velocity of light in a vacuum to its speed in that substance. Its value determines the extent to which light is refracted when entering or leaving the substance.