Isotropic vs Anisotropic
The difference between Isotropic and Anisotropic is tabulated below:
|
Parameter |
Isotropic |
Anisotropic |
|---|---|---|
|
Definition |
The materials are defined as isotropic when they show similar properties in all the directions. |
The materials are defined as anisotropic when they show different properties in all the directions. |
|
Direction Dependency |
Isotropic materials are direction independent. |
Anisotropic materials are direction dependent. |
|
Number of Refractive index |
Isotropic materials have only single refractive index. |
Anisotropic materials have multiple refractive index. |
|
Chemical bonding |
Chemical bonding in isotropic materials is consistent. |
Chemical bonding in anisotropic materials is inconsistent. |
|
Velocity |
Same velocity is shown by isotropic materials in all the directions. |
Different velocities are shown by anisotropic materials in all the directions |
|
Appearance |
The appearance of isotropic materials is dark. |
The appearance of anisotropic materials is light. |
|
Double refraction |
In isotropic materials double refraction is not possible. |
In anisotropic materials double refraction is possible. |
|
Passing of Light |
Light cannot pass through isotropic materials. |
Light can pass through anisotropic materials. |
|
Applications |
Isotropic materials are used in applications such as windows and lenses. |
Anisotropic materials are used in applications such as polarizers, wedges, optical waveplates |
|
Examples |
Examples of isotropic materials are metals, diamonds, crystals with cubic symmetry, glass. |
Examples of anisotropic materials are all crystals except cubic crystals, wood and composite materials. |
Also, Check
Isotropic and Anisotropic
In basic crystallography, isotropic and anisotropic terms are used to explain the properties of the materials. Isotropic materials are direction independent whereas anisotropic materials are direction dependent. The differences between isotropic and anisotropic materials occur due to it’s differences in the orientation of atoms in the crystals.
Below article covers the difference between isotropic and anisotropic in detail along with learning briefly about Anisotropy and Isotropy.
Table of Content
- Isotropic Meaning
- Anisotropic Meaning
- Isotropic vs Anisotropic
- FAQs on Isotropic vs Anisotropic