Concept explainers
The
Explanation of Solution
Introduction:
The speed of light always the same in the vacuum because the vacuum is a region with no matter in it. But the speed of light will scatter off when there is matter exists.
In a perfect vacuum, the light always travels at the same speed. The speed of light in the vacuum, c = 2.99792458×108 m/s. But when light travels through different mediums it scatters off due to molecules present in the medium. The amount by which the light slows down is described by the refractive index (n ). The refractive index of a medium) is defined by the speed of light in vacuum c divided by the speed of light through the medium v .
The refractive index of the perfect vacuum, n =1, and for the air n =1. 003. Therefore, the speed of light in air is slightly less than the speed of light in vacuum.
Conclusion:
The refraction index of vacuum and air are different but by the small amount. The applications which have less accuracy than we consider the speed of light are equal to the speed of air but for precise optics experimentations, we must consider this slight difference.
Chapter 27 Solutions
Conceptual Physics: The High School Physics Program
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