The dielectric constant of water is 80, but refractive index

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SUMMARY

The dielectric constant of water is 80, while its refractive index is 1.33, leading to the invalidation of the expression n*n=ε. This discrepancy arises because both the dielectric constant and the refractive index are frequency dependent. The correct explanation for the difference is that these two quantities are measured under different experimental conditions, confirming that option (3) from the provided exam question is accurate.

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  • Understanding of dielectric constants
  • Knowledge of refractive index concepts
  • Familiarity with frequency dependence in physical properties
  • Basic principles of experimental physics
NEXT STEPS
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  • Study the frequency dependence of optical properties in water
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Students in physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism and optics, as well as educators preparing exam questions related to the properties of water.

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The dielectric constant of water is 80, however its refractive index is 1 ·33 invalidating
the expression n*n=ε. why?
 
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Dielectric constant and n are frequency dependent. Are you sure you got values at the same frequency?
 
Khashishi said:
Dielectric constant and n are frequency dependent. Are you sure you got values at the same frequency?
No.
Actually it is a exam question with 4 options, given below-
(1) the water molecule has no permanent dipole moment
(2) the boiling point of water is 100 °C
(3) the two quantities arc measured by different experiments
(4) water is transparent to visible light

It seems that option (3) is correct .
what do you think?
 
This will have to be posted in a homework forum, with the template properly filled out.

Thread closed.
 

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