Index of refraction and speed of light

In summary, the conversation discusses the speed of light in a liquid, specifically carbon tetrachloride poured into a container made of crown glass. The formula v = c/n is used, where c is the speed of light and n is the refractive index of the liquid. The individual asking the question is confused by the 2 index of refraction and the response clarifies that the speed can be found by dividing c by n = 1.46.
  • #1
Yusufzai
2
0
Had this question in a test today, :).

Homework Statement



Carbon tetrachloride (n = 1.46) is poured into a container made of crown glass (n = 1.52). What's the speed of light in the liquad?




Homework Equations


v=c/n


The Attempt at a Solution



I just multiplied 1.46 by the speed of light. I wanted to know if this is the correct way to do it, what confused me the most was the 2 index of refraction.
 
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  • #2
To get the speed, you just divide c by n = 1.46. Using the formula you gave correctly yourself. If you multiply c with a number bigger then 1, you'd get a speed greater then that in vacuum.

I can't see why you're given the n value for the crown glass material, since the speed in the liquid wouldn't depend on it. Are you sure there wasn't any questions about the refraction angle, or such, where both refractive indexes are used?
 
  • #3
v= c/n
c is the speed of light
v is the speed in the new medium
 

Related to Index of refraction and speed of light

What is the index of refraction?

The index of refraction is a measure of how much a material slows down the speed of light as it passes through it. It is defined as the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in the material.

How is the index of refraction calculated?

The index of refraction is calculated by dividing the speed of light in a vacuum by the speed of light in the material. This value can vary depending on the material, and can also be affected by factors such as temperature and pressure.

What is the relationship between the index of refraction and the speed of light?

The index of refraction and the speed of light are inversely related. This means that as the index of refraction increases, the speed of light decreases. This is due to the interactions between light and the atoms/molecules in the material, which cause the light to slow down.

How does the index of refraction affect the path of light?

The index of refraction plays a crucial role in determining the path of light as it passes through different materials. When light travels from one material to another with a different index of refraction, it can change direction, which is known as refraction. This is what causes objects to appear distorted when viewed through a lens or a glass of water.

What are some real-world applications of the index of refraction?

The index of refraction is used in various applications, such as in the design of lenses for glasses and camera lenses, in the construction of optical fibers for telecommunication, and in measuring the concentration of substances in solutions using a refractometer. It is also an important concept in the study of optics and the behavior of light.

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