Light enters from air into diamond which has a refractive index of 2.42. Calculate the speed of light in diamond. The speed of light in air is 3.0 x 108 m/s.

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: September 25th, 2023

The speed of light in air is 3.0 x 108 m/s. Steps to find out the speed of light in the diamond:

Step 1: Given data is as follows

The speed of light in air = 3.0 x 108 m/s

Refractive index of diamond (n) = 2.42

Step 2: Now we have to use the formula

A medium’s refractive index is determined by,

Refractive index of the medium = speed of light in air/ speed of light in the medium

Speed of light in medium = speed of light in air/ refractive index of the medium

Step 3: Now we have to calculate the speed of light in a diamond:

Speed of light in diamond = speed of light in air/ 2.42

Substituting the values we get

Speed of light in diamond = 3.0 x 108/ 2.42

In simplification we get the:

Speed of light in diamond = 1.24x 108 m/s

Hence, the speed of light in a diamond will be 1.24x 108 m/s.

Table of content

1. Light enters from air into diamond which has a refractive index of 2.42. Calculate the speed of light in diamond. The speed of light in air is 3.0 x 108 m/s.

Characteristics of Diamond

Transparency, lustre, light scattering, and colour are the four primary optical properties of diamonds.
Diamond is absolutely clear and translucent in its pure carbon state.
It’s nearly hard to find perfection with natural products, either.
The hardest substance known to man is a diamond.
The only factors that distinguish this unsightly bit of coal from this lovely diamond are pressure and heat.
This lovely diamond didn’t begin as it does in its finished state.
In actuality, uncut diamonds lack brilliance and have a greasy sheen.
However, the same stones have a high lustre after being cut.
The main goal of diamond cutting is to enhance the stone’s fire and brilliance.

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