Final answer:
The index of refraction can be calculated using the equation v = c/n, where v is the average speed. For the given values, m is 1 and n is approximately 1.00027.
Step-by-step explanation:
The index of refraction, n, can be calculated using the equation v = c/n, where v is the average speed. In the question, we are given that the average speed of light is 3.0×10^8 m/s. To determine the values of m and n, we can rearrange the equation as n = c/v. Substituting the given value of c and the calculated value of v in scientific notation, we get n = (3.0×10^8 m/s)/(2.9979×10^8 m/s).
Simplifying this equation, we can cancel out the units of meters per second, leaving us with n = 1.00027. Therefore, the value of m is 1 and the value of n is 1.00027.
Since the value of n is very close to 1, it indicates that the light is traveling through a vacuum or air, where the speed of light is essentially constant.