Thanks I'll make sure I check the FAQs next time :)DrClaude said:There is an FAQ on the subject: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/do-photons-move-slower-in-a-solid-medium.511177/
The speed of light in a medium refers to the speed at which light travels through a specific material or substance. This speed is typically slower than the speed of light in a vacuum, which is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second.
The speed of light in a medium is slower than the speed of light in a vacuum because light travels through various substances such as air, water, or glass, which have different optical properties. These substances can affect the speed at which light travels through them.
The index of refraction is a measure of how much a material can bend or slow down light as it passes through it. The higher the index of refraction, the slower the speed of light will be in that medium.
The speed of light in a medium can be affected by several factors, including the density and composition of the medium, as well as the temperature and pressure. Additionally, the frequency and wavelength of light can also impact its speed in a medium.
The speed of light in a medium is important to scientists because it helps us understand how light behaves and interacts with different materials. This knowledge is crucial in various fields such as optics, astronomy, and telecommunications. It also plays a key role in the development of new technologies.