If the refractive index of medium 2 with respect to medium 1 is n21, which formula correctly represents n21?
n21 = Speed of light in medium 1 divided by speed of light in medium 2.
The refractive index of medium 2 with respect to medium 1 is the ratio of the speed of light in medium 1 to the speed of light in medium 2: n21 = v1 / v2.
Refractive index is a ratio of speeds, so a difference of speeds cannot represent it; and v2 / v1 would be n12, the refractive index of medium 1 with respect to medium 2.
Hence, the answer is n21 = Speed of light in medium 1 divided by speed of light in medium 2.
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