Velocity of Light-Concept of Refractive Index
Velocity of Light-Concept of Refractive Index: Overview
This topic discusses the velocity of light and refractive index. The refraction of light is due to the change in the speed of light on going from one medium to another.
Important Questions on Velocity of Light-Concept of Refractive Index
How is the refractive index of a medium related to the speed of light? Obtain an expression for refractive index of a medium with respect to another in terms of speed of light in these two media?

The refractive index of water is , what is the speed of light in water?

A pond depth of is filled with water of refractive index . Calculate apparent depth of the tank when view normally.

How much time will light take to cross thick glass pane if refractive index of glass is ?

The following table gives the values of refractive indices of a few media:
S.No. | |||||
Medium | Water | Crown glass | Rock salt | Ruby | Diamond |
Refractive index |
Use this table to give an example of (i) a medium pair so that light speeds up when it goes from one of these media to another (ii) a medium pair so that light slows down when it goes from one of these media to another.

Define refractive index of a medium.

The refractive index of diamond is . What is the meaning of this statement in relation to the speed of light?

What is the refractive index of vacuum?

What is the unit of refractive index?

How much time will light take to cross thick glass pane if refractive index of glass is ?

Light enters from air into diamond which has a refractive index of . Calculate the speed of light in diamond. The speed of light in air is .

If refractive index of glass is , what is the speed of light in glass?
