If the absolute refractive indices of two media X and Y are and respectively, then the refractive index of Y with respect to X will be:
If the absolute refractive indices of two media X and Y are and respectively, then the refractive index of Y with respect to X will be:
Options
Hint
Use 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 , and the absolute refractive index of a medium as (speed of light in air speed of light in the medium), so .
Given and .
Refractive index of Y with respect to X:
(A) is correct: direct application of .
(B) is the reciprocal — this would be (refractive index of X w.r.t. Y), a common inversion error.
(C) results from wrongly multiplying instead of taking the ratio.
(D) comes from inverting both the ratio and swapping numerator/denominator incorrectly.
Common Mistakes
- 1Confusing with and taking the reciprocal
- 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.