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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 16-18

Refraction & refractive index of light

Answers and reasoning. Review before teaching.

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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

Worksheet StudioPractice pack · Ages 16-18

Refraction & refractive index of light

Take your time. Show your thinking.

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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

Worksheet StudioAnswer key · Ages 16-18

Refraction & refractive index of light

Answers and reasoning. Review before teaching.

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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