Light & Radiation: The Curious Idiot

AI Thread Summary
Light appears to slow down when traveling through air due to interactions with atoms, which could similarly occur in electric and magnetic fields. The discussion suggests that while electric and magnetic forces can affect light's speed, the impact of a constant magnetic field remains uncertain. The refractive index is highlighted as a key concept to understand how light behaves in different mediums. Participants express a desire for more detailed explanations and references to scientific papers. Overall, the conversation centers on the effects of various fields on light's propagation.
qwerty1
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I know that light "slows down" when traveling through air (doesn't really slow down but travels further because it traverses 'around' the atoms) but does this effect appear when it travels through fields of radiation and or heavy magnetism? just curious... and I AM an idiot if you're wondering... lead paint chips are tasty... mmmmmm...
 
Science news on Phys.org
yes.
 
LostConjugate said:
yes.
could you be a good chap and maybe send a link to a public paper or the like that shows the results of experiments?

again i am not bright and can never find these things myself...
 
It is the electric and magnetic forces within air that cause light to slow down, so electric and magnetic fields could cause the same effect. Not sure if a constant magnetic field would. Someone here should have a better explanation, sorry can't think of a good article on the subject.
 
LostConjugate said:
It is the electric and magnetic forces within air that cause light to slow down, so electric and magnetic fields could cause the same effect. Not sure if a constant magnetic field would. Someone here should have a better explanation, sorry can't think of a good article on the subject.

no worries... i appreciate the reply!
 
look up refractive index
 

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