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KCET · Physics · Ray Optics

The incorrect statement about refractive index for a pair of media is

  1. A It depends upon nature of the first medium.
  2. B It depends upon nature of the second medium.
  3. C It depends upon wavelength of light
  4. D It depends upon angle of incidence
Verified Solution

Answer & Solution

Correct Answer

(D) It depends upon angle of incidence

Step-by-step Solution

Detailed explanation

The refractive index of a second medium with respect to a first medium is defined as the ratio of the speed of light in the first medium to the speed of light in the second medium, given by \(n_{21} = \dfrac{v_1}{v_2}\).

The speed of light in a medium depends on the optical properties (nature) of that medium and the wavelength of the light used (due to dispersion). Therefore, the refractive index for a pair of media depends on the nature of both the first and second media, as well as the wavelength of the light.

According to Snell's law, the ratio \(\dfrac{\sin i}{\sin r}\) is a constant for a given pair of media and a given wavelength of light. This constant is the refractive index, which remains independent of the angle of incidence.

Thus, the statement that refractive index depends upon the angle of incidence is incorrect.

Answer: It depends upon angle of incidence
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