A ray of light travels obliquely from medium P into medium Q

PHYSICS · Subjective · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Geometric Optics · Geometric Optics

Problem

A ray of light travels obliquely from medium P into medium Q. The absolute refractive indices of the two media are nP=1.65n_P=1.65 and nQ=1.32n_Q=1.32 respectively. (i) Which of the two media is optically denser? Explain your answer in terms of speed of light in the two media. (ii) Will the refracted ray bend toward the normal or away from the normal at the interface? Give reason. (iii) If the speed of light in medium P is vPv_P, express the speed in medium Q, vQv_Q, in terms of vPv_P, nPn_P and nQn_Q. Briefly interpret the physical meaning of your result.

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