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If the refractive index of a medium is high, does light travel faster or slower in it? Why?
Answers (1)
If a medium has a high refractive index, light travels more slowly through it. When light enters a denser medium (one with a high refractive index), it interacts more with its constituent atoms. Light waves are absorbed and re-emitted several times, resulting in a delay in movement. This leads to a reduction in speed. $$
\text { refractive index (n) of a medium }=\frac{c}{v}
$$
Here, c = speed of light in vacuum, v = speed of light in the medium.
Example- In a vacuum (refractive index = 1), light travels at its fastest speed, around 300,000 km/s. Light slows down somewhat in water with a refractive index of around 1.33.
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