What is the index of refraction of this substance?

This is because the index of refraction (n) is directly proportional to the speed of light in a substance. So if the speed of light in the substance is 79% of its value in water, the index of refraction in that substance would also be 79% of its value in water, which is 1.33. In summary, the index of refraction of this substance is 1.33 and the speed of light in this substance is 1.78x10^8 m/s.
  • #1
vucollegeguy
29
0
The speed of light in a certain substance is 79.0% of its value in water.
What is the index of refraction of this substance?


Here's what I've done so far:

(3.0*10^8 m/s)(0.79) because its 79%.
In water, the n=1.003.

I'm not sure where to go from there.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance.
 
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  • #2
vucollegeguy said:
The speed of light in a certain substance is 79.0% of its value in water.
What is the index of refraction of this substance? Here's what I've done so far:

(3.0*10^8 m/s)(0.79) because its 79%.
In water, the n=1.003.
No, that's n for air.
n for water is ____?
The speed of light in water is ____?
 
  • #3
correction:
n=1.33
and the speed of light in water (3x10^8)/(1.33)=2.25x10^8
 
  • #4
That's right. And:
vucollegeguy said:
The speed of light in a certain substance is 79.0% of its value in water.
Hope that's enough.
 
  • #5
Since 79%, mulitplying (2.26x10^8)(0.79)= 1.78x10^8.
Correct?
 
  • #6
Yes.
 

FAQ: What is the index of refraction of this substance?

What is the index of refraction?

The index of refraction is a measure of how much a substance can bend or refract light. It is represented by the symbol "n" and is defined as the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in the substance.

How is the index of refraction measured?

The index of refraction can be measured by using a device called a refractometer. This device measures the angle at which light is bent as it passes through a substance. The index of refraction can also be calculated using the substance's known properties, such as its density and chemical composition.

What factors affect the index of refraction?

The index of refraction of a substance is affected by its density, chemical composition, temperature, and wavelength of light. Generally, denser substances with a higher refractive index will cause light to bend more.

Why is the index of refraction important?

The index of refraction is important because it helps us understand how light behaves when it passes through different substances. It also has practical applications, such as in the design of lenses for glasses and cameras, and in predicting the path of light in optical devices.

How does the index of refraction differ for different substances?

The index of refraction can vary greatly between different substances. For example, air has an index of refraction of approximately 1, while water has an index of refraction of 1.33 and diamond has an index of refraction of 2.42. This is due to the different properties and densities of each substance.

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