Rayleigh Refractometer index of refraction

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the Rayleigh Refractometer and the formula for calculating the refractive index of a gas based on pressure and temperature. Participants are exploring the derivation and meaning of the constant gamma in the context of this formula.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the derivation of gamma and its role in the refractive index formula. There are attempts to clarify the relationship between gamma, temperature, pressure, and the ideal gas law. Some participants are also discussing the implications of using different gases and their refractive indices.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights and raising questions about the definitions and relationships involved. There is no clear consensus yet, but various interpretations and connections are being explored, particularly regarding the nature of gamma and its dependence on physical constants.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating potential misunderstandings regarding constants and their definitions, such as confusing the ideal gas constant with the Rydberg constant. There is also uncertainty about the fixed nature of certain constants in the context of the problem.

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When constructing a Rayleigh Refractometer the formula for the refractive index of a gas at pressure P and temperature T is:

mu(P,T) - 1 = (gamma) P/T
where,
mu(P,T) = refractive index as a function of pressure and temperature
and
gamma = [n(lambda)Ta]/[L(deltaP)]
where,
n = fringe number
lambda = wavelength
Ta = Ambient room Temperature
L = length of tube containing the gas
and
deltaP = change in pressure causing the movement in fringes.

My question is how do you prove gamma? - I cannot find this in any physics/optics book.

Any suggestions on where to start or look will be good.
 
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What is gamma? The frequency?

If I'm understanding the rest correctly, you have two tubes filled with gasses of different refractive index. One is known and the other is not.

If [tex]n_1 &=& 1[/tex] then the number of wavelengths needed to traverse the tube is [tex]m_1 &=& \frac{L n_1}{\lambda_{vacuum}}[/tex]. Likewise the number of wavelengths need to traverse the second tube is [tex]m_2 &=& \frac{L n_2}{\lambda_{vacuum}}[/tex].
 
yeah I already knew those formula's you listed.
Gamma is a proportionality constant. I think the lecturer just manipulated one of the "Jamin Inteferometer" formulas into this form and used gamma to represent part of the over all equation.
 
Well it looks like gamma is a function of the T and p and
[tex]\frac{T}{p} = \frac{V}{moles\cdot R}[/tex]
Since your volume is fixed I imagine that gamma must be a function of number of moles and the Rydberg constant. The Rydberg constant is given by
[tex]R_\infty = \frac{m_e e^4}{(4 \pi \epsilon_0)^2 \hbar^3 4 \pi c} = 1.0973731568525(73) \cdot 10^7 \,\mathrm{m}^{-1}[/tex]
I'm not sure if the Rydberg constant is fixed or not, although it is referred to as a constant.

I'm not sure how the following relates but the refractive index can also be represented as
[tex]n=\sqrt{\epsilon_r\mu_r}[/tex]

Do you have a fixed number of moles?
 
Last edited:
Wait. I think I made a mistake. R is NOT the Rydberg constant. It is the ideal gas constant.
 

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