Physics: Refractive Index and Light Speed

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary factor that influences the speed of light in a medium such as olive oil?

The viscosity of the oil
The color of the oil
The refractive index of the oil (correct)
The temperature of the oil

Which of the following conditions is NOT necessary for total internal reflection to occur?

Light must be traveling from a denser to a rarer medium
The interfaces between the two media must be smooth
Light must be polarized (correct)
The angle of incidence must exceed the critical angle

If the refractive index of olive oil is known, how can the speed of light in that medium be calculated?

By multiplying the refractive index by the speed of sound
By taking the square root of the refractive index
By adding the refractive index to the speed of light in a vacuum
By dividing the speed of light in a vacuum by the refractive index (correct)

In what situation would you NOT observe total internal reflection?

<p>When light travels from diamond to air at an angle less than the critical angle (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What measurement defines the critical angle for total internal reflection?

<p>The maximum angle of incidence before light is completely refracted (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Calculating the speed of light in olive oil

The speed of light in a medium is inversely proportional to its refractive index. The speed of light in a vacuum is 3 x 10^8 m/s. To calculate the speed of light in olive oil, divide the speed of light in a vacuum by the refractive index of olive oil.

Total internal reflection

Total internal reflection occurs when a light ray traveling from a denser medium to a less dense medium hits the boundary at an angle greater than the critical angle. This causes the ray to be reflected back into the denser medium.

What is the critical angle?

The critical angle is the angle of incidence at which the angle of refraction is 90 degrees. This means the refracted ray travels along the boundary between the two mediums.

Conditions for total internal reflection

The necessary conditions for total internal reflection are: 1. Light must travel from a denser medium to a less dense medium. 2. The angle of incidence must be greater than the critical angle.

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What is total internal reflection?

Total internal reflection is a phenomenon where light is completely reflected back into the denser medium rather than passing through the boundary into the less dense medium. This occurs when the angle of incidence exceeds the critical angle.

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