Which symbol for refractive index, μ or n?

[anyonebutangel]

Homework Statement

when should we use the symbol "mew" for refractive index and when should the alphabet n be used?

Relevant Equations

no equations

both "mew"(sorry i couldn't get the symbol on on my keyboard so I'm writing it) and n are used for depicting refractive index i want to know which is more relevant and is there any reason for it or which symbol should be used in what cases.

 

[rude man]

"Mew" ($\mu$) is does not typically represent either the index of refraction, which is almst always shown as "n", or permittivity, which is sually shown as "$\epsilon$".

$\mu$ represents permeability, a magnetic quantity.
The quantity $1/\sqrt {\mu\epsilon}$ is the speed of light in a medium of permittivity $\epsilon$ and permeability $\mu$.

The above is for SI aka mks.

 

[berkeman]

Homework Statement:: when should we use the symbol "mew" for refractive index and when should the alphabet n be used?

"mew"(sorry i couldn't get the symbol on on my keyboard so I'm writing it)

If you click "Reply" below the post by @rude man you will see how he used the double-# notation to generate the inline LaTeX version of that greek character. Also, if you click on the squareroot symbol in the upper right of the Edit window, you will get a number of greek characters that you click on, including μ

 

[rude man]

If you click "Reply" below the post by @rude man you will see how he used the double-# notation to generate the inline LaTeX version of that greek character. Also, if you click on the squareroot symbol in the upper right of the Edit window, you will get a number of greek characters that you click on, including μ

View attachment 269022

sorry about all the edits. Sould have looked before leaping.

 

[Steve4Physics]

when should we use the symbol "mew" for refractive index and when should the alphabet n be used?

μ should not be used for refractive index. It is a very old-fashioned symbol for refractive index dating back to 1815-ish (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refractive_index).

It was still in use in the 1960s (when I studied physics) and I guess it may still be used in very some out-of-date textbooks.

The accepted moden symbol 'n' should always be used.

 

[anyonebutangel]

If you click "Reply" below the post by @rude man you will see how he used the double-# notation to generate the inline LaTeX version of that greek character. Also, if you click on the squareroot symbol in the upper right of the Edit window, you will get a number of greek characters that you click on, including μ

View attachment 269022

OK thanks for your efforts

 

[anyonebutangel]

μ should not be used for refractive index. It is a very old-fashioned symbol for refractive index dating back to 1815-ish (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refractive_index).

It was still in use in the 1960s (when I studied physics) and I guess it may still be used in very some out-of-date textbooks.

The accepted moden symbol 'n' should always be used.

O.K thank you.