Chapter 12, Problem 38R

To determine

the property which indicates slowing down of light when travelling in the material among the options such as (A) pigment (B) index of refraction (C) filter (D) mirage.

Answer to Problem 38R

The correct option is (B).

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

All materials have an index of refraction which indicates how fast a light can travel through a material.

As light passes through air to another material, it changes its speed and light gets either reflected or refracted in another medium. The change in the speed of light is due to the change in index of refraction of the material. The index of refraction of a material is a number that indicates how much slower is the light wave corresponding to that medium than it is in vacuum.

Conclusion:

Hence, the correct option is (B).