Question

Light passes through a transparent substance at a speed of 1.995×10⁸m/s. What is the index of refraction of the substance?

Answer 1

To calculate the index of refraction of the substance, we use the formula n = c/v. The speed of light in the material is given (1.995×10⁸ m/s), and the known speed of light in vacuum is ≈3.00×10⁸ m/s. Plugging these values into the formula gives us an index of refraction of about 1.5038.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks us to calculate the index of refraction for a substance through which light travels at a speed of 1.995×10⁸ m/s. To find the index of refraction, we use the formula n = c/v, where c is the speed of light in vacuum (≈3.00×10⁸ m/s) and v is the speed of light in the material. Since we know both the speed of light in vacuum and in the material, we can calculate the index of refraction.

Here's the calculation step-by-step:

1. Write down the known values: c = 3.00×10⁸ m/s (speed of light in vacuum), v = 1.995×10⁸ m/s (speed of light in material).
2. Use the formula for index of refraction: n = c/v.
3. Substitute the known values into the formula: n = (3.00×10⁸ m/s) / (1.995×10⁸ m/s).
4. Calculate the answer: n ≈ 1.5038.