Final answer:
The index of refraction of the substance is 1.408.answer to 3 decimals is 1.408
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the index of refraction of the substance, we need to compare the speed of light in the substance to that in water.
The speed of light in water is given as 3.00 x 10^8 m/s, which is its value in a vacuum as well. Therefore, the speed of light in the substance is 71% of this value, which is 0.71 x 3.00 x 10^8 m/s.
The index of refraction (n) is defined as the ratio of the speed of light in vacuum (c) to the speed of light in the substance (v): n = c/v. Substituting the values, we get n = (3.00 x 10^8)/(0.71 x 3.00 x 10^8) = 1/0.71 = 1.408.