- #1
SUDOnym
- 90
- 1
Hello
I am preparing a lesson on refraction and I've come across a confusing point. In a book I have read, it was said that the optical density of a material is proportional to the refractive index. That is, the greater the optical density, the greater the refractive index. I have however come across a different definition of optical density - ie. it is a measure of how much light the material will transmit - and this definition obviously has no relation to refractive index. Which definition is correct here?
Finally, from my own experiences, I believe that there is commonly a relation between mass density and refractive index. That is, the denser the material, the greater the refractive index. For example glass is denser than water is denser than air is denser than vacuum and their respective refractive indices have a similar relation. Can someone please comment on this anecdotal rule? - and please give examples of any exceptions to the rule.
Thanks
I am preparing a lesson on refraction and I've come across a confusing point. In a book I have read, it was said that the optical density of a material is proportional to the refractive index. That is, the greater the optical density, the greater the refractive index. I have however come across a different definition of optical density - ie. it is a measure of how much light the material will transmit - and this definition obviously has no relation to refractive index. Which definition is correct here?
Finally, from my own experiences, I believe that there is commonly a relation between mass density and refractive index. That is, the denser the material, the greater the refractive index. For example glass is denser than water is denser than air is denser than vacuum and their respective refractive indices have a similar relation. Can someone please comment on this anecdotal rule? - and please give examples of any exceptions to the rule.
Thanks