Calculating Light Travel Time for 60 cm

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the time it takes for light to travel a distance of 60 cm, given a velocity of light in a medium of 2.108 m/s. The formula used for this calculation is time = distance/speed. Participants clarified that if the distance were 2.108 m, the time taken would be 1 second, emphasizing the importance of unit conversion in calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically speed and distance.
  • Familiarity with the formula for calculating time based on distance and speed.
  • Knowledge of unit conversion, particularly between meters and centimeters.
  • Basic mathematical skills for performing calculations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of light speed in different mediums.
  • Learn about unit conversion techniques in physics.
  • Explore more complex calculations involving speed, distance, and time.
  • Investigate the implications of light speed in various scientific contexts.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of light travel time and related calculations.

sofianets
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Homework Statement



if the velocity of light in the medium is assumed to be 2.10^-8 m/s, how much time does it take the light to travel through the distance of 60 cm?

Homework Equations



n/a

The Attempt at a Solution



i tried to do something but not enough.. :(
 
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What's the definition of speed? (Rewrite the speed of the light more carefully. I doubt you meant 10^-8.)
 


yes,it can be 2.10^8 m/s
 


if the velocity of light in the medium is assumed to be 2.10^8 m/s, right?

so, if it had asked:

how much time does it take the light to travel through the distance of 2.10^8 m?

You would have answered 1 second.

From here, you can derive the formula.

distance/speed = time taken

Just be sure to convert the units as needed :)
 

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