Refractive Index: Speed of Light in Medium vs Vacuum

Thread starter Sarrah
Start date Mar 6, 2019
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Index Refractive index

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The refractive index of a medium is defined as the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in that medium. This relationship can be expressed mathematically as n = c_vacuum / c_medium. Consequently, the speed of light in a vacuum can be calculated by multiplying the refractive index by the speed of light in the medium, resulting in c_vacuum = n * c_medium. The discussion confirms that the product of the refractive index and the speed of light in the medium indeed equals the speed of light in a vacuum. This fundamental principle is essential in understanding light behavior in different media.

Mar 6, 2019

Sarrah

Dear Sir/Madam, Is the product of the refractive index of a medium and speed of light in the medium equal to the speed of light in vacuum? Thank You.

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Mar 6, 2019

RPinPA

Science Advisor

Homework Helper

Yes.

index of refraction is defined as ##n = c_{vacuum} / c_{medium}## so ##c_{vacuum} = n c_{medium}##

Mar 7, 2019

Sarrah

Thank you so much sir.

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