Dry vs. Humid Air: Refractive Index Differences

[Firben]

Homework Statement

This is from a old exam[/B]
Humid air has a different refractive index than dry air: in the microwave region n'(dry) > n'(humid) and n''(dry) < n''(humid), where n' and n'' denote the real and imaginary part of the refractive index, respectively. How are the effects asked for above different (qualitatively) on dry and humid days ?

Homework Equations

n =c/v

The Attempt at a Solution

What are they asking for ? It is how the < changes during dry/humid days ?

 

[kq6up]

It is asking for a qualitative answer. It is not asking for any solution to be worked out, but what does the real and imaginary parts mean. Hint: Read about the complex refractive index in the wikipedia article on refractive index.

Regards,
KQ6UP

 

[rude man]

Homework Statement

This is from a old exam[/B]
Humid air has a different refractive index than dry air: in the microwave region n'(dry) > n'(humid) and n''(dry) < n''(humid), where n' and n'' denote the real and imaginary part of the refractive index, respectively. How are the effects asked for above different (qualitatively) on dry and humid days?
What are they asking for ? It is how the < changes during dry/humid days ?

What ARE they asking for? The problem states "... the effects asked for above ..." so there must have been something "above"?