The speed of light in a medium

  • #1

bubblewrap

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The speed of light changes according to the medium that its in and I don't understand why. Is it because each particles in the medium has a bit of gravitational forces so that the light doesn't travel in a straight line, or perhaps because of something else?
 
  • #2
There is an FAQ on the subject: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/do-photons-move-slower-in-a-solid-medium.511177/ [Broken]
 
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  • #3
DrClaude said:
There is an FAQ on the subject: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/do-photons-move-slower-in-a-solid-medium.511177/ [Broken]
Thanks I'll make sure I check the FAQs next time :)
 
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