Table of contents

33. Geometric Optics

Index of Refraction

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Multiple Choice

Diamond has a refractive index of 2.42. How fast would a light ray travel through a diamond?

$2.26 \times 1 0^{8}$

$2.42 \times 1 0^{8}$

$1.24 \times 1 0^{8}$

$2.05 \times 1 0^{8}$

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the given values: the refractive index of diamond (n) is 2.42, and the speed of light in a vacuum (c) is 3.0×10^8 m/s.

Recall the formula for the refractive index: n = c/v, where v is the speed of light in the medium.

Rearrange the formula to solve for v: v = c/n.

Substitute the known values into the equation: v = (3.0×10^8 m/s) / 2.42.

Perform the division to find the speed of light in diamond, ensuring the units are consistent.

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