Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Synthesis and Operation of Fluorescent-core Microcavities for Refractometric Sensing
Published on: March 13, 2013
Refractive index of liquid water in different solvent models
Kristian O Sylvester-Hvid1, Kurt V Mikkelsen, Thomas M Nymand
1Department of Chemistry, H. C. Ørsted Institute, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark. ksh@theory.ki.ku.dk
Abstract:
We present a combined molecular dynamics/quantum chemical perturbation method for calculating the refractive index of liquid water at different temperatures. We compare results of this method with the refractive index obtained from other solvent models. The best agreement with the experimental refractive index of liquid water and its temperature dependence is obtained using correlated gas-phase polarizabilities in the classical Lorentz-Lorenz expression. Also, the iterative self-consistent reaction field approach in the semicontinuum implementation matches the experimental refractive index reasonably well.
Related Concept Videos
Surface Tension, Capillary Action, and Viscosity
The various IMFs between identical molecules of a substance are examples of cohesive forces. The molecules within a liquid are surrounded by other molecules and are attracted equally in all directions by the cohesive forces within the liquid. However, the molecules on the surface of a liquid are attracted only by about one-half as many molecules. Because of the unbalanced molecular attractions on the surface molecules, liquids contract to form a shape that minimizes the number...
Intermolecular Forces and Physical Properties
Vapor Pressure Lowering
Nonideal Two-Component Liquid Solutions
Comparing Intermolecular Forces: Melting Point, Boiling Point, and Miscibility
Temporary attractive forces like dispersion are present in all molecules, whether they are polar or nonpolar. They...
Ideal Solutions

