Q11
1 markMCQSection A

If the absolute refractive indices of two media X and Y are 65\frac{6}{5} and 43\frac{4}{3} respectively, then the refractive index of Y with respect to X will be:

Light — Reflection and Refraction
Refractive Index

Options

(A)109\frac{10}{9}
(B)910\frac{9}{10}
(C)98\frac{9}{8}
(D)89\frac{8}{9}
Official Answer

109\dfrac{10}{9}

refractive indexn21 = n2/n1relative refractive index

Hint

Use n21=n2/n1n_{21}=n_2/n_1 where refractive indices are with respect to air/vacuum.

Analysis & Explanation

The chapter defines the refractive index of medium 2 with respect to medium 1 as n21=v1v2n_{21}=\dfrac{v_1}{v_2}, and the absolute refractive index of a medium as nm=cvn_m=\dfrac{c}{v} (speed of light in air ÷\div speed of light in the medium), so v=cnmv=\dfrac{c}{n_m}.


Given nX=65n_X=\dfrac{6}{5} and nY=43n_Y=\dfrac{4}{3}.


Refractive index of Y with respect to X:

nYX=vXvY=c/nXc/nY=nYnX=4/36/5=43×56=2018=109n_{YX}=\frac{v_X}{v_Y}=\frac{c/n_X}{c/n_Y}=\frac{n_Y}{n_X}=\frac{4/3}{6/5}=\frac{4}{3}\times\frac{5}{6}=\frac{20}{18}=\frac{10}{9}


(A) is correct: direct application of nYX=nY/nXn_{YX}=n_Y/n_X.

(B) 910\frac{9}{10} is the reciprocal — this would be nXYn_{XY} (refractive index of X w.r.t. Y), a common inversion error.

(C) 98\frac{9}{8} results from wrongly multiplying nX×nYn_X\times n_Y instead of taking the ratio.

(D) 89\frac{8}{9} comes from inverting both the ratio and swapping numerator/denominator incorrectly.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1Confusing nYXn_{YX} with nXYn_{XY} and taking the reciprocal
  2. 2Multiplying the two refractive indices instead of dividing

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2025?

This question carries 1 mark in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2025 examination.

Which chapter does this question come from in Science?

This question is from the chapter "Light — Reflection and Refraction" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.

What topic does this question cover in Science?

This question covers the topic "Refractive Index" from CBSE Class 10 Science.

What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2025 paper?

This is a MCQ question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2025 paper.