A medium having a higher refractive index is said to be:

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) Optically denser than the other medium

Explanation:

• Refractive index measures how much light slows down in a medium.

• A higher refractive index means light travels slower in that medium.

• Such a medium is called optically denser compared to another medium.

• Optical density is related to the bending of light, not mass.

Information Booster:

• Refractive index (n) = Speed of light in vacuum ÷ Speed of light in the medium.

• Greater refractive index implies greater optical density.

Additional Knowledge:

Physically (mass) denser than the other medium (Option b)

• Incorrect, because optical density does not always depend on mass density.

• Example: Kerosene is optically denser than water but physically less dense.

Having the same optical density as the other medium (Option c)

• Incorrect, as different refractive indices indicate different optical densities.

Independent of the speed of light (Option d)

• Incorrect, because refractive index directly depends on the speed of light in the medium.