Index of refraction and speed of light

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SUMMARY

The speed of light in carbon tetrachloride (n = 1.46) can be calculated using the formula v = c/n, where c is the speed of light in a vacuum. The correct approach is to divide the speed of light (approximately 3.00 x 108 m/s) by the refractive index of carbon tetrachloride. The refractive index of crown glass (n = 1.52) is not relevant for calculating the speed of light in the liquid, as it pertains to a different medium.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the speed of light in a vacuum (c)
  • Knowledge of the refractive index concept
  • Familiarity with the formula v = c/n
  • Basic principles of optics and light behavior in different media
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of refractive index on light speed in various materials
  • Learn about Snell's Law and its application in optics
  • Explore the concept of total internal reflection and its conditions
  • Study the differences in light propagation in solids, liquids, and gases
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on optics, as well as educators teaching concepts related to light and refractive indices.

Yusufzai
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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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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?
 
v= c/n
c is the speed of light
v is the speed in the new medium
 

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