5 Questions
Which of the following properties of light changes when it is refracted?
Wavelength
If $n_2 = 1.13$, what is the value of $n_1$ if $2n_1 = 0.98$?
0.78
What is the speed of light in glass with a refractive index of 1.5?
$2\times10^8$
A higher index of refraction means that the wave travels _________ the speed of light in a vacuum in that medium.
Slower than
The refractive index of water is 1.32. If the incidence angle of a falling light ray is 30 degrees, what is the angle of refraction?
21.25
Study Notes
Refraction of Light
- When light is refracted, its frequency remains constant, but its wavelength and speed change.
- The refractive index of a medium is a measure of how much the light is slowed down in that medium.
- The formula to calculate the refractive index is $n = \frac{c}{v}$, where $c$ is the speed of light in vacuum and $v$ is the speed of light in the medium.
Calculating Refractive Index
- If $n_2 = 1.13$ and $2n_1 = 0.98$, then $n_1 = \frac{0.98}{2} = 0.49$.
Speed of Light in a Medium
- The speed of light in glass with a refractive index of 1.5 is $c / 1.5 = \frac{2}{3}c$.
- A higher index of refraction means that the wave travels slower than the speed of light in a vacuum in that medium.
Snell's Law
- The refractive index of water is 1.32.
- If the incidence angle of a falling light ray is 30 degrees, Snell's Law can be used to calculate the angle of refraction.
Test your knowledge of refraction with this quick quiz! Answer questions about the changes that occur when light is refracted, calculate refractive indices, and determine the speed of light in different mediums. See if you can identify the relationship between the index of refraction and the speed of light in a vacuum.
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