Ask your own question, for FREE!
Physics 17 Online
TrinL3:

In which medium is the speed of light the fastest? A. Water (n=1.33) B. Quartz (n=1.46) C. Glass (n=1.52) D. Diamond (n=2.42)

Vocaloid:

n = c/v c is the speed of light in a vacuum (known constant) n is the refractive index v is the speed in the medium For the highest v value, therefore, you want the lowest n-value.

TrinL3:

@vocaloid wrote:
n = c/v c is the speed of light in a vacuum (known constant) n is the refractive index v is the speed in the medium For the highest v value, therefore, you want the lowest n-value.
Thanks, that really helps! but how do I know what the other values are?

Vocaloid:

You are only asked which medium would light travel the fastest in. You don’t need to calculate the actual values. Light will travel the fastest when n is lowest, so whichever answer choice has the lowest n value.

TrinL3:

OH OK that makes much more sense thank you

Can't find your answer? Make a FREE account and ask your own questions, OR help others and earn volunteer hours!

Join our real-time social learning platform and learn together with your friends!
Can't find your answer? Make a FREE account and ask your own questions, OR help others and earn volunteer hours!

Join our real-time social learning platform and learn together with your friends!