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Chapter 20: Problem 2708

The refractive index of the ionosphere (A) increase as we go from the lower to upper layer of the ionosphere (B) decrease as we go from the lower to upper layer of the ionosphere (C) remain the same through out the ionosphere (D) is equal to unity

Short Answer

Expert verified
The refractive index decreases as we go from the lower to upper layer of the ionosphere (Option B). This is because the ion and free electron densities decrease as we move up, leading to a higher speed of light in the medium and a lower refractive index.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the refractive index

The refractive index of a medium is a measure of the speed of light in the medium compared to the speed of light in vacuum. A higher refractive index indicates that light travels slower in the medium, while a lower refractive index indicates that light travels faster.
02

Learning about the ionosphere

The ionosphere is the layer of Earth's atmosphere that contains a high concentration of ions and free electrons. It starts at around 60 kilometers (37 miles) above the Earth's surface and extends to around 1,000 kilometers (620 miles). The ionosphere plays an important role in radio wave propagation and is divided into different sub-layers, such as the D, E, and F layers.
03

Refractive index in the ionosphere

The refractive index in the ionosphere varies due to the changes in the ion and free electron densities. Since different sub-layers have different densities and composition, the refractive index will vary throughout the ionosphere.
04

Examining the options

Now that we have some understanding of the refractive index and the ionosphere, let's examine the four options given: (A) The refractive index increases as we go from the lower to upper layer of the ionosphere. (B) The refractive index decreases as we go from the lower to upper layer of the ionosphere. (C) The refractive index remains the same throughout the ionosphere. (D) The refractive index is equal to unity.
05

Identifying the correct option

As we have learned, the refractive index varies throughout the ionosphere due to changes in ion and free electron densities. This eliminates options (C) and (D). When we move from the lower to upper layers of the ionosphere, the density of ions and free electrons generally decreases. Lower ion density leads to a higher speed of light in the medium, which means a lower refractive index. Therefore, the correct answer is: (B) The refractive index decreases as we go from the lower to upper layer of the ionosphere.

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