Question:

A light ray enters a glass slab of refractive index \( \mu = 1.5 \) from air. What is the speed of light inside the glass slab? (Speed of light in air \( c = 3 \times 10^8 \text{ m/s} \))

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A higher refractive index means light travels slower in that medium compared to vacuum.
Updated On: May 29, 2026
  • \( 2 \times 10^8 \text{ m/s} \)
  • \( 4.5 \times 10^8 \text{ m/s} \)
  • \( 3 \times 10^8 \text{ m/s} \)
  • \( 1.5 \times 10^8 \text{ m/s} \)
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation


Concept: The refractive index ($\mu$) of a medium is defined as the ratio of the speed of light in vacuum ($c$) to the speed of light in that medium ($v$): \[ \mu = \frac{c}{v} \]

Step 1:
Rearrange the formula to solve for velocity. Given $\mu = 1.5$ and $c = 3 \times 10^8 \text{ m/s}$: \[ v = \frac{c}{\mu} \]

Step 2:
Substitute the values. \[ v = \frac{3 \times 10^8}{1.5} \]

Step 3:
Calculate the result. \[ v = 2 \times 10^8 \text{ m/s} \]
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