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If the Index of Refraction for Acrylic Is 1.49, How Fast Is Light Moving as It Passes Through the Acrylic Wedge?

Question

If the index of refraction for acrylic is 1.49, how fast is light moving as it passes through the acrylic wedge?

Solution

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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.