Question
If the index of refraction for acrylic is 1.49, how fast is light moving as it passes through the acrylic wedge?
Solution
3.9
(170 Votes)
Vincent
Master · Tutor for 5 years
Answer
The speed of light in a medium is related to the index of refraction of that medium. The relationship is:n = c / vWhere:* n is the index of refraction* c is the speed of light in a vacuum (approximately 3.00 x 10⁸ m/s)* v is the speed of light in the mediumWe are given n = 1.49 for acrylic. We want to find v. Rearranging the formula:v = c / nv = (3.00 x 10⁸ m/s) / 1.49v ≈ 2.01 x 10⁸ m/sTherefore, light travels at approximately
through the acrylic wedge.