Question

Figure 33-30 shows rays of monochromatic light propagating through three materials a, b, and c. Rank the materials according to the index of refraction, greatest first.

Short answer

The ranking of materials according to the index of refraction is$n_a>n_b>n_c.$

Step-by-step solution

The given data

Figure 33-30 shows rays of monochromatic light passing through three materials a, b and c is given.

Understanding the concept of refraction

For a material with a higher refractive index, the light bends towards the normal line, while for a material with a low refractive index, it speeds up and bends away from the normal line. By analyzing the given figure and using the concept of refraction, we can rank the materials according to the index of refraction.

Calculation of the ranking of the materials according to the refractive index

When light travels from a rarer to a denser medium, it refracts towards the normal, and when it travels from a denser to a rarer medium, it refracts away from the normal.

Analyzing the given figure according to this, we can write that,

$$\begin{gathered} n_a>n_b \\ {n}_b>n_c \end{gathered}$$

Hence, the ranking of the materials is $n_a>n_b>n_c$.