SUMMARY
The speed of light in a medium can be calculated using the formula \( v = \frac{c}{n} \), where \( c \) is the speed of light in a vacuum (approximately 299,792,458 m/s) and \( n \) is the refractive index of the medium. For water with a refractive index of 1.33, the speed of light is approximately 225,407,863 m/s. In diamond, with a refractive index of 2.42, the speed is about 123,900,000 m/s. For quartz, with a refractive index of 1.54, the speed is approximately 194,000,000 m/s.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of the refractive index concept
- Basic knowledge of the speed of light in a vacuum
- Familiarity with algebraic manipulation of formulas
- Access to scientific calculators or computational tools
NEXT STEPS
- Research the properties of light in different media
- Learn about the implications of refractive index on optical devices
- Explore advanced topics in optics, such as Snell's Law
- Investigate the speed of light in various materials beyond water, diamond, and quartz
USEFUL FOR
Students studying physics, optical engineers, and anyone interested in the behavior of light in different materials.