How is the index of refraction (IOR) calculated?

The index of refraction (IOR) is calculated by the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in a specific medium, such as an optical fiber. This ratio provides a measure of how much the light slows down when it enters the medium compared to its speed in a vacuum, reflecting the degree to which the medium can bend the light.

Using the formula ( n = \frac{c}{v} ), where ( n ) is the index of refraction, ( c ) is the speed of light in a vacuum, and ( v ) is the speed of light in the medium, one can determine how much the light will bend or refract as it transitions between different materials. This principle is crucial in optics and fiber optics, where understanding light behavior is essential for designing effective systems and technologies.

Other options do not provide a correct method for calculating the index of refraction, as they refer to unrelated measurements or concepts that do not pertain to the refractive properties of materials.