Refractive Index

deleted-363602 · Post by **deleted-363602** » Thu Jun 02, 2016 7:18 pm

I was wondering why permittivity has an effect on refractive index. Also, what would the key determinant of refractive index be? Mass density doesn't seem to have a consistent effect, as oil, which is less dense than water, has a higher refractive index. I assume the molecular properties of each medium would have the largest effect, but I am unsure as to what specifically would determine the speed of light in a medium.

deleted-2131 · Post by **deleted-2131** » Fri Jun 03, 2016 9:06 am

Hi Lizard 3678,

Is your question related to a K-12 science fair project? If not, then a different set of online forums will be better able to help you. These forums are specifically for K-12 students, parents, and teachers working on science fair projects.

theborg · Post by **theborg** » Sun Jun 05, 2016 11:29 am

Lizard3678,

Light is an electromagnetic wave. Check out this website that explains the propagation of an electromagnetic wave through a medium and see if that answers your question.

http://www.physicsclassroom.com/mmedia/waves/em.cfm

Refractive Index

Refractive Index

Re: Refractive Index

Re: Refractive Index