What is the speed of light in material b if the refractive indices of materials a and b have a ratio of na/nb = 1.46 and the speed of light in material a is 1.12 × 10^8 m/s?

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Dalton · Answer

Calculating the Speed of Light in Material B The refractive index of a material is the measure of the amount of light that is refracted or bent when it enters that material. It is defined as the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in that material. Given that the refractive indices of materials a and b have a ratio of na/nb = 1.46 and the speed of light in material a is 1.12 × 10^8 m/s, we can calculate the speed of light in material b.  Step 1: Calculate the refractive index of material b. na/nb = 1.46 Given na = speed of light in a vacuum / speed of light in material a = 3 × 10^8 m/s / 1.12 × 10^8 m/s = 2.68 Substitute na into the equation: nb = 2.68 / 1.46 nb = 1.8356  Step 2: Determine the speed of light in material b. Speed of light in material b = speed of light in a vacuum / refractive index of material b Speed of light in material b = 3 × 10^8 m/s / 1.8356 = 1.634 × 10^8 m/s  Therefore, the speed of light in material b is 1.634 × 10^8 m/s.

The Speed of Light in Material B

Calculating the Speed of Light in Material B

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