How to determine rarer & denser medium for light?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the determination of rarer and denser media for light, exploring the definitions and characteristics that differentiate these terms. It touches on concepts related to optical density, including the relationship between density and the behavior of light in various media.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes a distinction between the common understanding of density and the concept of optical density, citing steam as an example of a denser medium despite having a lower physical density than dry air.
  • Another participant explains that optical density can refer to either the absorption of light or the speed of light in a medium, suggesting that context is crucial for understanding its application.
  • A link to a Wikipedia article on absorbance is provided for further reference, although its relevance to the discussion is not explicitly agreed upon by all participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definitions and implications of optical density, indicating that there is no consensus on how to classify media as rarer or denser for light.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential confusion surrounding the terms "denser" and "rarer" in relation to light, suggesting that definitions may depend on specific contexts and interpretations.

Laven
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How to determine rarer & denser medium for light?

As i read in one book, it's written that denser medium & rarer medium for doesn't depend upon density.For eg. steam has less density than dry air but the steam is denser medium & dry air is rarer medium for light.Before this i used to think in simple way,substance that have high density is called denser medium & vice-versa.

I even googled about it but i don't get any topic related with it.

Hope you help.
Cheers,
 
Science news on Phys.org
Optical density can refer to either the absorption of light or the speed of light (i.e. index of refraction) in the medium. Usually this is clear from the context in a specific situation.

So, a medium has a higher optical density if either it absorbs more light per length of material, or the speed of light is slower -- depending on which usage of optical density is being used.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absorbance
 
Ibtl!
 
thanks for your suggestion.
 

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