Calculating Light Travel Time Through Different Materials

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the time it takes for light to travel through a 5.23-mm-thick piece of window glass, one must consider the speed of light in glass, which is slower than in a vacuum. The correct approach involves using the refractive index of glass to determine the effective speed of light in that medium. Additionally, to find the thickness of water that allows light to travel in the same amount of time, the refractive index of water must also be applied. The initial confusion about simply dividing the speed of light by thickness was clarified, leading to a resolution of the problem. Understanding the principles of light speed in different materials is crucial for accurate calculations.
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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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