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A fluid has an index of refraction of 1.37. What is the speed of light through it? m/s

User Jiyoung
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Final answer:

The speed of light through a fluid with an index of refraction of 1.37 is approximately 2.19 x 10^8 m/s, calculated by dividing the speed of light in vacuum (3.00 x 10^8 m/s) by the index of refraction (n = 1.37).

Step-by-step explanation:

The student has asked about the speed of light through a fluid with an index of refraction of 1.37. The index of refraction (n) is defined as the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum (c) to the speed of light in the medium (v). Therefore, the speed of light in the medium can be calculated using the formula:

v = c / n

Where:

  • c = speed of light in a vacuum = 3.00 x 108 m/s
  • n = index of refraction = 1.37

Plugging the values into the formula, we get:

v = (3.00 x 108 m/s) / 1.37

v ≈ 2.19 x 108 m/s

Therefore, the speed of light through a fluid with an index of refraction of 1.37 is approximately 2.19 x 108 meters per second (m/s).

User Neotrixs
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