ScienceAges 16-18

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 16-18

Refraction & refractive index of light

Take your time. Show your thinking.

1. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1296 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 1296 nm · Medium (n = 2.4): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
2. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 444 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 444 nm · Medium (n = 1.2): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
3. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 672 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 672 nm · Medium (n = 1.4): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
4. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 552 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 552 nm · Medium (n = 1.2): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
5. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1040 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.6. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 1040 nm · Medium (n = 1.6): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
6. 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
7. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 504 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 504 nm · Medium (n = 2.4): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
8. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 496 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.6. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 496 nm · Medium (n = 1.6): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
9. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1060 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 1060 nm · Medium (n = 2): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
10. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1140 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 1140 nm · Medium (n = 2): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
11. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1056 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 1056 nm · Medium (n = 2.4): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
12. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 315 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.5. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 315 nm · Medium (n = 1.5): λ = λ₀ ÷ n

12 questions · Seed 42 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification

View the answer key

Worksheet StudioAnswer key · Ages 16-18

Refraction & refractive index of light

Answers and reasoning. Review before teaching.

1. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1296 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
540 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 1296 nm ÷ 2.4 = 540 nm.
2. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 444 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
370 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 444 nm ÷ 1.2 = 370 nm.
3. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 672 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
480 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 672 nm ÷ 1.4 = 480 nm.
4. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 552 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
460 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 552 nm ÷ 1.2 = 460 nm.
5. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1040 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.6. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
650 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 1040 nm ÷ 1.6 = 650 nm.
6. 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.
7. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 504 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
210 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 504 nm ÷ 2.4 = 210 nm.
8. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 496 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.6. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
310 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 496 nm ÷ 1.6 = 310 nm.
9. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1060 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
530 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 1060 nm ÷ 2 = 530 nm.
10. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1140 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
570 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 1140 nm ÷ 2 = 570 nm.
11. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1056 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
440 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 1056 nm ÷ 2.4 = 440 nm.
12. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 315 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.5. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
210 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 315 nm ÷ 1.5 = 210 nm.

12 questions · Seed 42 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification

Worksheet StudioPractice pack · Ages 16-18

Refraction & refractive index of light

Take your time. Show your thinking.

1. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1296 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 1296 nm · Medium (n = 2.4): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
2. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 444 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 444 nm · Medium (n = 1.2): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
3. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 672 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 672 nm · Medium (n = 1.4): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
4. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 552 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 552 nm · Medium (n = 1.2): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
5. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1040 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.6. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 1040 nm · Medium (n = 1.6): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
6. 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
7. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 504 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 504 nm · Medium (n = 2.4): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
8. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 496 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.6. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 496 nm · Medium (n = 1.6): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
9. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1060 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 1060 nm · Medium (n = 2): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
10. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1140 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 1140 nm · Medium (n = 2): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
11. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1056 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 1056 nm · Medium (n = 2.4): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
12. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 315 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.5. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 315 nm · Medium (n = 1.5): λ = λ₀ ÷ n

12 questions · Seed 42 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification

Worksheet StudioAnswer key · Ages 16-18

Refraction & refractive index of light

Answers and reasoning. Review before teaching.

1. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1296 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
540 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 1296 nm ÷ 2.4 = 540 nm.
2. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 444 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
370 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 444 nm ÷ 1.2 = 370 nm.
3. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 672 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
480 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 672 nm ÷ 1.4 = 480 nm.
4. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 552 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
460 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 552 nm ÷ 1.2 = 460 nm.
5. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1040 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.6. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
650 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 1040 nm ÷ 1.6 = 650 nm.
6. 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.
7. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 504 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
210 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 504 nm ÷ 2.4 = 210 nm.
8. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 496 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.6. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
310 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 496 nm ÷ 1.6 = 310 nm.
9. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1060 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
530 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 1060 nm ÷ 2 = 530 nm.
10. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1140 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
570 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 1140 nm ÷ 2 = 570 nm.
11. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1056 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
440 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 1056 nm ÷ 2.4 = 440 nm.
12. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 315 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.5. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
210 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 315 nm ÷ 1.5 = 210 nm.

12 questions · Seed 42 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification