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Derivation for optical path length and the origins of the formula

Physics Asked by Critac Arpol on October 4, 2021

So I’ve learnt that the formula for optical path length is $OPL = ns$, where $n$ is refractive index of the medium and $s$ is its geometrical length, the problem is i cant really get around this formula like where does it come from? I tried deriving it but couldnt get anywhere.

my work

I tried adjusting the last equation using snell’s law, got nowhere.

One Answer

The quantity $ns$ has a physical meaning. I think that's what you're trying to figure out. If light travels a distance $s$ through a medium with refractive index $n$ in a time $T$, then the distance light would travel in the same time $T$ in a vacuum would be $ns$. $$T = frac{s}{v} = frac{ns}{c}$$ and so the distance travelled in vacuum in this time is $$cT = ns$$

Answered by Brain Stroke Patient on October 4, 2021

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