Chapter 12, Problem 45R

To determine

To Explain:The speed of light is greater in air than in glass.

Answer to Problem 45R

The denser medium has lower the speed of light.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The speed of light in vacuum, commonly denoted c, is a universal physical constant important in many areas of physics. Its exact value is defined as 299792458 meters per second.

The speed of light is greater in air than in glass because density of glass is more than air. As the medium is denser the speed of light become slower. The speed of light in air is approximately ${\text{3×10}}^{\text{8}}\text{m/s}$ and in glass is $\text{2}{\text{.2×10}}^{\text{8}}\text{m/s}$ .

Conclusion:

Hence, the denser medium has lower the speed of light.