What is the index of refraction of a medium where the light travels in with a speed of #2.5 times 10^8# #m##/##s#?

1 Answer
Maxwell
May 20, 2017

#"n = 1.2"#

Explanation:

The index of refraction is unit less number describing how light rays will travel from one medium to the next. It is useful when applying Snell's law.

#color(white)(aaaaaaaa)#http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/geoopt/refr.html#c1

To calculate the index of refraction, we use

#color(white)(-------)n=(c)/(v)#

Where
#"n = index of refraction"#

#"c = speed of light in a vacuum" (3xx10^8 m/s)#

#"v = speed of light in the other medium" (m/s)#

#color(white)(---)#

Plug and chug

#n=(c)/(v)#

#n = (3xx10^8 cancel(m/s))/(2.5xx10^8 cancel(m/s))#

#n = 1.2#

#color(blue)("Answer: n = 1.2"#

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