Question

what is meant by statement that reflective index of diamond is 2.42 if the velocity of light in air is 3 into 10 power 8 metre per second find the velocity of light in diamond.

Answer 1

Refractive index of diamond means the speed of light in air/speed of light in diamond.

∴ refractive index = 3×$10^{8}$ / speed of light in diamond
2.42 = 3×$10^{8}$ / speed of light in diamond
∴ speed of light in diamond =3×$10^{8}$ / 2.42
Speed of light in diamond = 1.23 × $10^{8}$ m/s