Calculating Light Travel Time Through Different Materials

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the time it takes for light to travel through a 5.23-mm-thick piece of window glass and determining the equivalent thickness of water for the same travel time. The speed of light in vacuum is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second, while in glass, it is about 200,000,000 meters per second. The participant initially attempted to use a simple division method but later resolved the problem independently, indicating a successful understanding of the concept.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the speed of light in different media
  • Basic knowledge of optics and refraction
  • Familiarity with unit conversions (mm to meters)
  • Ability to apply the formula for time = distance/speed
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the refractive index of common materials like glass and water
  • Learn about the principles of light refraction and Snell's Law
  • Explore advanced optics concepts such as total internal reflection
  • Investigate the impact of temperature on the speed of light in various media
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on optics, as well as educators and anyone interested in the properties of light and its behavior in different materials.

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[SOLVED] Simple speed of light problem

Homework Statement


How long does it take light to travel trough a 5.23-mm-thick piece of window glass?

Trough what thickness of water could light travel in the same amount of time?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I thought I could just do the speed of light divided by the thickness to get my seconds but that's not right so can someone please help me?
 
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nevermind...got it
 

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