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 672 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 672 nm · Medium (n = 1.2): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
2. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1080 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 1080 nm · Medium (n = 2): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
3. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 320 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.6. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 320 nm · Medium (n = 1.6): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
4. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 600 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 600 nm · Medium (n = 2.4): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
5. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 630 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 630 nm · Medium (n = 1.4): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
6. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1128 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 1128 nm · Medium (n = 2.4): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
7. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1440 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 1440 nm · Medium (n = 2.4): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
8. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 558 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.8. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 558 nm · Medium (n = 1.8): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
9. 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
10. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 528 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 528 nm · Medium (n = 1.2): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
11. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 465 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.5. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 465 nm · Medium (n = 1.5): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
12. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 700 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 700 nm · Medium (n = 1.4): λ = λ₀ ÷ n

12 questions · Seed 45 · 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 672 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
560 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 672 nm ÷ 1.2 = 560 nm.
2. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1080 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
540 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 1080 nm ÷ 2 = 540 nm.
3. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 320 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.6. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
200 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 320 nm ÷ 1.6 = 200 nm.
4. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 600 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
250 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 600 nm ÷ 2.4 = 250 nm.
5. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 630 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
450 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 630 nm ÷ 1.4 = 450 nm.
6. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1128 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
470 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 1128 nm ÷ 2.4 = 470 nm.
7. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1440 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
600 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 1440 nm ÷ 2.4 = 600 nm.
8. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 558 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.8. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
310 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 558 nm ÷ 1.8 = 310 nm.
9. 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.
10. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 528 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
440 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 528 nm ÷ 1.2 = 440 nm.
11. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 465 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.5. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
310 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 465 nm ÷ 1.5 = 310 nm.
12. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 700 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
500 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 700 nm ÷ 1.4 = 500 nm.

12 questions · Seed 45 · 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 672 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 672 nm · Medium (n = 1.2): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
2. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1080 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 1080 nm · Medium (n = 2): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
3. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 320 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.6. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 320 nm · Medium (n = 1.6): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
4. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 600 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 600 nm · Medium (n = 2.4): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
5. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 630 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 630 nm · Medium (n = 1.4): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
6. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1128 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 1128 nm · Medium (n = 2.4): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
7. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1440 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 1440 nm · Medium (n = 2.4): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
8. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 558 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.8. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 558 nm · Medium (n = 1.8): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
9. 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
10. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 528 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 528 nm · Medium (n = 1.2): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
11. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 465 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.5. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 465 nm · Medium (n = 1.5): λ = λ₀ ÷ n
12. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 700 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
Vacuum: λ₀ = 700 nm · Medium (n = 1.4): λ = λ₀ ÷ n

12 questions · Seed 45 · 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 672 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
560 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 672 nm ÷ 1.2 = 560 nm.
2. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1080 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
540 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 1080 nm ÷ 2 = 540 nm.
3. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 320 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.6. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
200 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 320 nm ÷ 1.6 = 200 nm.
4. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 600 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
250 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 600 nm ÷ 2.4 = 250 nm.
5. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 630 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
450 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 630 nm ÷ 1.4 = 450 nm.
6. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1128 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
470 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 1128 nm ÷ 2.4 = 470 nm.
7. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 1440 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 2.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
600 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 1440 nm ÷ 2.4 = 600 nm.
8. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 558 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.8. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
310 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 558 nm ÷ 1.8 = 310 nm.
9. 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.
10. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 528 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.2. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
440 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 528 nm ÷ 1.2 = 440 nm.
11. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 465 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.5. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
310 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 465 nm ÷ 1.5 = 310 nm.
12. A monochromatic light beam has wavelength 700 nm in a vacuum and enters a transparent medium with refractive index n = 1.4. Calculate its wavelength inside the medium.
500 nm
Inside a medium of refractive index n, wavelength is reduced by a factor of n: λ = 700 nm ÷ 1.4 = 500 nm.

12 questions · Seed 45 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification