What is the index of refraction of this substance?

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SUMMARY

The index of refraction of a substance can be calculated using the speed of light in that substance relative to the speed of light in water. In this discussion, it was established that the speed of light in water is approximately 2.25 x 108 m/s, leading to the calculation of the speed of light in the substance as 1.78 x 108 m/s. Consequently, the index of refraction for the substance is determined to be 1.33, confirming that the speed of light in the substance is 79% of its speed in water.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the speed of light in different media
  • Basic knowledge of the index of refraction
  • Familiarity with the formula for calculating speed of light in a medium
  • Knowledge of the speed of light in water (approximately 2.25 x 108 m/s)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the formula for calculating the index of refraction: n = c/v
  • Learn about the implications of varying indices of refraction in optics
  • Explore the concept of total internal reflection and its applications
  • Investigate how different substances affect the speed of light and their respective indices of refraction
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, optical engineers, and anyone interested in the properties of light and its interaction with various materials.

vucollegeguy
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The speed of light in a certain substance is 79.0% of its value in water.
What is the index of refraction of this substance?


Here's what I've done so far:

(3.0*10^8 m/s)(0.79) because its 79%.
In water, the n=1.003.

I'm not sure where to go from there.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance.
 
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vucollegeguy said:
The speed of light in a certain substance is 79.0% of its value in water.
What is the index of refraction of this substance? Here's what I've done so far:

(3.0*10^8 m/s)(0.79) because its 79%.
In water, the n=1.003.
No, that's n for air.
n for water is ____?
The speed of light in water is ____?
 
correction:
n=1.33
and the speed of light in water (3x10^8)/(1.33)=2.25x10^8
 
That's right. And:
vucollegeguy said:
The speed of light in a certain substance is 79.0% of its value in water.
Hope that's enough.
 
Since 79%, mulitplying (2.26x10^8)(0.79)= 1.78x10^8.
Correct?
 

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