Why is the refractive index of water bigger than that of air?

The refractive index is related to the perceived speed at which light is going in that medium. Water is more dense than air, ie there are more particles occupying a given space. So when light travels through water, there is a higher probability for it to bump into water molecules. Hence its path will deviate from a straight line, it will be a bumpy path. Hence, on a microcoscopic level, the photon is actually travelling a longer bumpy path when in a denser medium, that is why it is perceived to be slower. So the actual speed of light doesn't change. The path it takes in a denser medium is longer than a less dense counterpart.

MB
Answered by Miyabi B. Physics tutor

8430 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are the main differences between magnetic and electric fields?


An electrical heater supplies 500J of heat energy to a copper cylinder of mass 32.4g Find the increase in temperature of the cylinder. (Specific heat capacity of copper = 385 J*kg^-1*Celsius^-1


Given a graph of the displacement of a particle, how can you tell if it is in Simple Harmonic Motion?


Can you explain the photoelectric effect?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences