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ScienceAges 13-15

Refraction & refractive index of light

Use refractive index n = λ₀ ÷ λ to calculate the reduced wavelength of monochromatic light inside an optical medium. Review suitability for your learners before teaching.

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Worksheet StudioPractice pack · Ages 13-15

Refraction & refractive index of light

Take your time. Show your thinking.

  1. 1. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 432 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.8. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.

    Vacuum: λ₀ = 432 nm · Medium (n = 1.8): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
  2. 2. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 384 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.6. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.

    Vacuum: λ₀ = 384 nm · Medium (n = 1.6): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
  3. 3. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1220 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.

    Vacuum: λ₀ = 1220 nm · Medium (n = 2): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
  4. 4. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1104 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.

    Vacuum: λ₀ = 1104 nm · Medium (n = 2.4): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
  5. 5. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 624 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.

    Vacuum: λ₀ = 624 nm · Medium (n = 1.2): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
  6. 6. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 880 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.6. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.

    Vacuum: λ₀ = 880 nm · Medium (n = 1.6): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
  7. 7. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 252 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.

    Vacuum: λ₀ = 252 nm · Medium (n = 1.2): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
  8. 8. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 624 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.

    Vacuum: λ₀ = 624 nm · Medium (n = 2.4): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
  9. 9. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 322 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.

    Vacuum: λ₀ = 322 nm · Medium (n = 1.4): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
  10. 10. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 330 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.5. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.

    Vacuum: λ₀ = 330 nm · Medium (n = 1.5): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
  11. 11. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 240 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.

    Vacuum: λ₀ = 240 nm · Medium (n = 1.2): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
  12. 12. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 372 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.

    Vacuum: λ₀ = 372 nm · Medium (n = 1.2): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
12 questions · Seed 44 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification
View the answer key
Worksheet StudioAnswer key · Ages 13-15

Refraction & refractive index of light

Answers and reasoning. Review before teaching.

  1. 1. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 432 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.8. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.

    240 nm

    Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 432 nm ÷ 1.8 = 240 nm.

  2. 2. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 384 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.6. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.

    240 nm

    Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 384 nm ÷ 1.6 = 240 nm.

  3. 3. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1220 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.

    610 nm

    Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 1220 nm ÷ 2 = 610 nm.

  4. 4. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1104 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.

    460 nm

    Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 1104 nm ÷ 2.4 = 460 nm.

  5. 5. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 624 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.

    520 nm

    Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 624 nm ÷ 1.2 = 520 nm.

  6. 6. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 880 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.6. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.

    550 nm

    Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 880 nm ÷ 1.6 = 550 nm.

  7. 7. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 252 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.

    210 nm

    Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 252 nm ÷ 1.2 = 210 nm.

  8. 8. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 624 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.

    260 nm

    Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 624 nm ÷ 2.4 = 260 nm.

  9. 9. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 322 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.

    230 nm

    Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 322 nm ÷ 1.4 = 230 nm.

  10. 10. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 330 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.5. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.

    220 nm

    Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 330 nm ÷ 1.5 = 220 nm.

  11. 11. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 240 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.

    200 nm

    Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 240 nm ÷ 1.2 = 200 nm.

  12. 12. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 372 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.

    310 nm

    Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 372 nm ÷ 1.2 = 310 nm.

12 questions · Seed 44 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification