Key Concepts
* Refraction: The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another (like air to glass).
* Index of Refraction (n): A measure of how much a medium slows down light. Higher index means slower light.
* Speed of Light (c): The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second.
How it Works
1. Air: Air has a refractive index very close to 1. This means light travels almost at its maximum speed (c).
2. Glass: Glass has a refractive index greater than 1 (typically around 1.5). This means light travels slower in glass than in air.
Velocity Change:
* The velocity of light changes due to the change in refractive index. The formula for this is:
* v = c/n
Where:
* v = velocity of light in the medium
* c = speed of light in a vacuum
* n = refractive index of the medium
* Example: If the refractive index of glass is 1.5, the speed of light in glass would be:
* v = (299,792,458 m/s) / 1.5 = 199,861,639 m/s
Important Notes:
* Direction Change: The velocity change in light passing from air to glass also results in a change in direction, causing the light to bend.
* Frequency Remains Constant: While the speed and direction of light change, the frequency of light (and therefore its color) remains the same when it passes from one medium to another.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
