Absolute refractive indices of water and glass are $\frac{4}{3}$ and $\frac{3}{2}$ respectively. In which one of the two media is the speed of light more?

Question

Two plane polarized light waves combine at a certain point whose electric field components are $ E_1 = E_0 \sin(\omega t) $ $ E_2 = E_0 \sin(\omega t + \frac{\pi}{3}) $ Find the amplitude of the resultant wave.

Answer 1

A lower refractive index allows light to travel faster. Because water's refractive index ($\frac{4}{3} = 1.33$) is less than glass's ($\frac{3}{2} = 1.5$), light moves quicker in water.

Absolute refractive indices of water and glass are $\frac{4}{3}$ and $\frac{3}{2}$ respectively. In which one of the two media is the speed of light more?

Solution and Explanation

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