Dry vs. Humid Air: Refractive Index Differences

AI Thread Summary
Humid air exhibits a different refractive index compared to dry air, with the real part of the refractive index being greater in dry air and the imaginary part being greater in humid air. The discussion centers on understanding how these differences qualitatively affect observations on dry versus humid days. Participants express confusion about the specific effects being referenced and seek clarification on the problem statement. The focus is on the implications of the complex refractive index and its components. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of refractive index variations in different humidity conditions.
Firben
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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 ?
 
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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
 
Firben said:

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"?
 

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