Answer to Question #154201 in Physics for Miziika

Question

The refractive index of glass is 1.5, if the velocity of light in air is 3×10^8 m/s, then calculate the velocity of light when it travels through glass

Answer 1

By definition, refractive index is:

$$n = \dfrac{c}{v}$$

where $c = 3\times10^8m/s$ is the speed of light in air, and $v$ is the velocity of light when it travels through glass. Since $n = 1.5$, obtain:

$$v = \dfrac{c}{n} = \dfrac{3\times10^8m/s}{1.5} = 2\times10^8m/s$$

Answer. $2\times10^8m/s$.