I remember learning, once, an equation that related the index of refraction of a substance to the wavelength of the light entering. Index of refraction as a function of wavelength. I have a degree in physics, but I only have a vague memory of this. Please help.
2007-09-26 18:21:58 · 4 answers · asked by Michael S 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
I don't think there is a fundamental equation that describes this, but there are a couple of empirical polynomial equations that are used. For optical design and analysis, glasses can be characterized using a Sellmeier equation with six coefficients. The simpler Cauchy equation (n(λ) = A + B/λ^2) approximates the refractive index curve for normal dispersion glasses in the visible.
2007-09-26 18:37:49 · answer #1 · answered by injanier 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is my 3rd year in mech engineering so I kinda forgot the physics. But i do remember some formulas. I hope this help...
n= index of refraction
n=c/v
lamda= lamda(not) / n (wavelength of light in a material)
v= freq*wavelength
Snell's Law
n1 sin(theta1) = n2 sin(theta2)
2007-09-27 01:32:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
λ = λ_0 / n
where λ is the wavelength of light in vacuum.
λ_0 is the wavelength in the material
n = is the refractive index of the material
2007-09-27 01:54:23 · answer #3 · answered by Demiurge42 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can't get there from where you are.
Are you thinking of Snell's law?
2007-09-27 01:26:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋