Answer to Question #201483 in Physics for Dianne

Question

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The speed of light in a certain material is 2 x 10⁸ m/s. The speed of light in a vacuum is 3 x 10⁸ m/s. Calculate the index of refraction of the material.

Answer 1

We can find the index of refraction of the material as follows:

$$v=\dfrac{c}{n},$$ $$n=\dfrac{c}{v}=\dfrac{3\cdot10^8\ \dfrac{m}{s}}{2\cdot10^8\ \dfrac{m}{s}}=1.5$$