refractive index

(symbol: n) a measure of the extent to which a ray of light is bent (refracted) in passing from one transparent medium to another. The refractive index of a transparent medium is equal to the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in that medium. The value of n can vary with the wavelength of the light.

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Psychology term of the day

May 8th 2024

divergent thinking

creative thinking in which an individual solves a problem or reaches a decision using strategies that deviate from commonly used or previously taught strategies. This term is often used synonymously with lateral thinking. Compare convergent thinking. [defined in 1967 by Joy Paul Guilford]