Time for Light to Travel 54cm Through Glycerine in Aquarium

In summary, the time for light to travel through glycerine in an aquarium is slower compared to other liquids due to its higher refractive index. The distance that the light has to travel through glycerine does affect the time it takes, with longer distances resulting in longer times. The temperature of the glycerine also affects the time for light to travel, with higher temperatures resulting in a faster speed of light and lower temperatures having the opposite effect. The concentration of glycerine can also affect the time for light to travel, with higher concentrations resulting in a slower speed of light. Additionally, the time it takes for light to travel through glycerine in an aquarium can be used to measure the refractive index of the liquid by using
  • #1
leehom
24
0
Determine the time it takes for light to travel 54 cm through glycerine in an aquarium.

Do I account for air, glycerine and glass?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I would answer the precise question given. What's the speed of light in glycerine? How far does it travel through the glycerine? (Given no additional context, the fact that it's in an aquarium seems irrelevant.)
 
  • #3


I would first clarify the parameters of the experiment. Are we assuming the aquarium is filled completely with glycerine, or is there a layer of air at the top? Additionally, is there a glass barrier between the light source and the glycerine? These factors can affect the speed of light and should be considered in the calculation.

Assuming the aquarium is filled with glycerine and there is no glass barrier, the time it takes for light to travel 54 cm through glycerine can be determined using the formula t = d/v, where t is time, d is distance, and v is the speed of light in glycerine. The speed of light in a medium is given by the formula v = c/n, where c is the speed of light in a vacuum and n is the refractive index of the medium.

According to the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, the refractive index of glycerine is approximately 1.47. Using this value and the speed of light in a vacuum (299,792,458 m/s), we can calculate the speed of light in glycerine to be approximately 203,897,864 m/s.

Plugging this value into the first formula, we get t = 0.000000265 seconds, which is the time it takes for light to travel 54 cm through glycerine in an aquarium without any other factors taken into account.

If we were to account for the air and glass barriers, we would need to consider their refractive indices and the distance they add to the path of light. This would require more specific information about the setup of the experiment. Overall, the calculation for the time it takes for light to travel through glycerine in an aquarium is dependent on various factors and would need to be adjusted accordingly.
 

1. How does the time for light to travel through glycerine in an aquarium compare to other liquids?

The time for light to travel through glycerine in an aquarium is slower compared to other liquids. Glycerine has a higher refractive index, which means it slows down the speed of light.

2. Does the distance that the light has to travel affect the time it takes?

Yes, the distance that the light has to travel through glycerine in an aquarium does affect the time it takes. The longer the distance, the longer the time it takes for light to travel through.

3. How does the temperature of the glycerine affect the time for light to travel?

The temperature of the glycerine does affect the time for light to travel. Higher temperatures can cause the glycerine to become less dense, which can result in a faster speed of light. Lower temperatures can have the opposite effect.

4. Is the time for light to travel through glycerine in an aquarium affected by the concentration of glycerine?

Yes, the concentration of glycerine can affect the time for light to travel through an aquarium. Higher concentrations of glycerine can result in a slower speed of light, while lower concentrations can have the opposite effect.

5. Can the time for light to travel through glycerine in an aquarium be used to measure the refractive index of the liquid?

Yes, the time for light to travel through glycerine in an aquarium can be used to measure the refractive index of the liquid. By measuring the time it takes for light to travel a known distance, the refractive index can be calculated using the formula n = c/v, where n is the refractive index, c is the speed of light in a vacuum, and v is the speed of light in the liquid.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
759
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
320
Replies
11
Views
259
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
5K
Back
Top