Velocity and Index of Refraction - MCAT Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
Card 1 of 42
The refractive index of medium A is 1.2, while that of medium B is 1.36. Through which medium does light travel faster and at what speed does it travel?
The speed of light is 
.
The refractive index of medium A is 1.2, while that of medium B is 1.36. Through which medium does light travel faster and at what speed does it travel?
The speed of light is
Tap to reveal answer
The refractive index of a medium (n) is equal to the speed of light (c) divided by the velocity of light through the medium (v).
Rearranging the equation allows us to see the relationship regarding v.
The lower the refractive index, the faster the velocity of light. Medium A has the smaller refractive index. Light will travel faster through medium A at a velocity equal to the speed of light divided by the refractive index.
The refractive index of a medium (n) is equal to the speed of light (c) divided by the velocity of light through the medium (v).
Rearranging the equation allows us to see the relationship regarding v.
The lower the refractive index, the faster the velocity of light. Medium A has the smaller refractive index. Light will travel faster through medium A at a velocity equal to the speed of light divided by the refractive index.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
An incandescent light bulb is shown through a glass prism. The certain wavlength of the light is then directed into a glass cuvette containing an unknown concentration of protein. Commonly, this process is called spectroscopy and is used to determine the concentrations of DNA, RNA, and proteins in solutions. The indices of reflection of air, glass, and the solution are 1, 1.5, and 1.3, respectively.
The velocity of the light when it moves from air to glass.
An incandescent light bulb is shown through a glass prism. The certain wavlength of the light is then directed into a glass cuvette containing an unknown concentration of protein. Commonly, this process is called spectroscopy and is used to determine the concentrations of DNA, RNA, and proteins in solutions. The indices of reflection of air, glass, and the solution are 1, 1.5, and 1.3, respectively.
The velocity of the light when it moves from air to glass.
Tap to reveal answer
This question asks us to consider the relationship between velocity and index of refraction of a medium. If we think back to the definition of index of refraction, we know that it is defined by the ratio of the velocity of light in a vacuum and the velocity of light in some other medium.
n is the index of refraction, c is the speed of light in a vacuum, and v is the speed of light in the new medium.
We can see that n and v are inversely proportional, meaning that the higher the n, the lower the velocity. As the light moved from air (n =1) to glass (n = 1.5), the n increased, and thus the velocity must decrease because the speed of light in a vacuum is constant.
This question asks us to consider the relationship between velocity and index of refraction of a medium. If we think back to the definition of index of refraction, we know that it is defined by the ratio of the velocity of light in a vacuum and the velocity of light in some other medium.
n is the index of refraction, c is the speed of light in a vacuum, and v is the speed of light in the new medium.
We can see that n and v are inversely proportional, meaning that the higher the n, the lower the velocity. As the light moved from air (n =1) to glass (n = 1.5), the n increased, and thus the velocity must decrease because the speed of light in a vacuum is constant.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
An incandescent light bulb is shown through a glass prism. The certain wavlength of the light is then directed into a glass cuvette containing an unknown concentration of protein. Commonly, this process is called spectroscopy and is used to determine the concentrations of DNA, RNA, and proteins in solutions. The indices of reflection of air, glass, and the solution are 1, 1.5, and 1.3, respectively.
As light exits from the wall of the cuvette into the solution, its wavelength .
An incandescent light bulb is shown through a glass prism. The certain wavlength of the light is then directed into a glass cuvette containing an unknown concentration of protein. Commonly, this process is called spectroscopy and is used to determine the concentrations of DNA, RNA, and proteins in solutions. The indices of reflection of air, glass, and the solution are 1, 1.5, and 1.3, respectively.
As light exits from the wall of the cuvette into the solution, its wavelength .
Tap to reveal answer
This question asks us to find the relationship between the wavelength and index of refraction. We will need to know two equations to compute the relationship between the two.
First, we need to relate velocity and index of refraction. The definition of index of refraction allows us to relate the two.
We also know the relationship between velocity and wavelength.
We can now set these formulas equal to each other to find the relationship between wavelength and index of refraction.
We can see that 
and n are inversely related. If n decreases, the wavelength must increase. In our problem, light in moving from a higher index of refraction to a lower one, meaning the wavelength gets longer (increases).
This question asks us to find the relationship between the wavelength and index of refraction. We will need to know two equations to compute the relationship between the two.
First, we need to relate velocity and index of refraction. The definition of index of refraction allows us to relate the two.
We also know the relationship between velocity and wavelength.
We can now set these formulas equal to each other to find the relationship between wavelength and index of refraction.
We can see that
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
How long will it take a photon to travel 
through mineral oil?
How long will it take a photon to travel
Tap to reveal answer
The index of refraction is equal to the speed of light in a medium divided by the speed of light in a vacuum.
We can find the time to travel a given distance by manipulating this equation and combining it with the equation for rate: 
.
Plug in the given values and solve for the velocity in the medium.
Now we can return to the rate equation and solve for the time to travel 
.
We can recognize that the answer can be simplified by converting to nanoseconds.
The index of refraction is equal to the speed of light in a medium divided by the speed of light in a vacuum.
We can find the time to travel a given distance by manipulating this equation and combining it with the equation for rate:
Plug in the given values and solve for the velocity in the medium.
Now we can return to the rate equation and solve for the time to travel
We can recognize that the answer can be simplified by converting to nanoseconds.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which of the following does not take place when a light wave travels from a medium with a high index of refraction into one with a lower index of refraction?
Which of the following does not take place when a light wave travels from a medium with a high index of refraction into one with a lower index of refraction?
Tap to reveal answer
As the wave travels into the less dense medium, it speeds up, bending away from the normal line. The index of refraction tells the ratio of the velocity in a vacuum in relation to the velocity the medium; thus, the velocity will be greater in a medium with a lower index of refraction.
Frequency remains the same regardless of medium, however, since the velocity changes, the wavelength must accommodate this change.
If velocity increases and frequency remains constant, wavelength must also increase.
Finally, a phase shift only occurs when a light ray reflects from the surface of a more dense medium.
As the wave travels into the less dense medium, it speeds up, bending away from the normal line. The index of refraction tells the ratio of the velocity in a vacuum in relation to the velocity the medium; thus, the velocity will be greater in a medium with a lower index of refraction.
Frequency remains the same regardless of medium, however, since the velocity changes, the wavelength must accommodate this change.
If velocity increases and frequency remains constant, wavelength must also increase.
Finally, a phase shift only occurs when a light ray reflects from the surface of a more dense medium.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is the index of refraction for a material in which light travels at 
?
What is the index of refraction for a material in which light travels at
Tap to reveal answer
Relevant equations:
To find index of refraction, divide the speed of light in a vacuum by the speed of light in the material:
Relevant equations:
To find index of refraction, divide the speed of light in a vacuum by the speed of light in the material:
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
The refractive index of medium A is 1.2, while that of medium B is 1.36. Through which medium does light travel faster and at what speed does it travel?
The speed of light is .
The refractive index of medium A is 1.2, while that of medium B is 1.36. Through which medium does light travel faster and at what speed does it travel?
The speed of light is
Tap to reveal answer
The refractive index of a medium (n) is equal to the speed of light (c) divided by the velocity of light through the medium (v).
Rearranging the equation allows us to see the relationship regarding v.
The lower the refractive index, the faster the velocity of light. Medium A has the smaller refractive index. Light will travel faster through medium A at a velocity equal to the speed of light divided by the refractive index.
The refractive index of a medium (n) is equal to the speed of light (c) divided by the velocity of light through the medium (v).
Rearranging the equation allows us to see the relationship regarding v.
The lower the refractive index, the faster the velocity of light. Medium A has the smaller refractive index. Light will travel faster through medium A at a velocity equal to the speed of light divided by the refractive index.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
An incandescent light bulb is shown through a glass prism. The certain wavlength of the light is then directed into a glass cuvette containing an unknown concentration of protein. Commonly, this process is called spectroscopy and is used to determine the concentrations of DNA, RNA, and proteins in solutions. The indices of reflection of air, glass, and the solution are 1, 1.5, and 1.3, respectively.
The velocity of the light when it moves from air to glass.
An incandescent light bulb is shown through a glass prism. The certain wavlength of the light is then directed into a glass cuvette containing an unknown concentration of protein. Commonly, this process is called spectroscopy and is used to determine the concentrations of DNA, RNA, and proteins in solutions. The indices of reflection of air, glass, and the solution are 1, 1.5, and 1.3, respectively.
The velocity of the light when it moves from air to glass.
Tap to reveal answer
This question asks us to consider the relationship between velocity and index of refraction of a medium. If we think back to the definition of index of refraction, we know that it is defined by the ratio of the velocity of light in a vacuum and the velocity of light in some other medium.
n is the index of refraction, c is the speed of light in a vacuum, and v is the speed of light in the new medium.
We can see that n and v are inversely proportional, meaning that the higher the n, the lower the velocity. As the light moved from air (n =1) to glass (n = 1.5), the n increased, and thus the velocity must decrease because the speed of light in a vacuum is constant.
This question asks us to consider the relationship between velocity and index of refraction of a medium. If we think back to the definition of index of refraction, we know that it is defined by the ratio of the velocity of light in a vacuum and the velocity of light in some other medium.
n is the index of refraction, c is the speed of light in a vacuum, and v is the speed of light in the new medium.
We can see that n and v are inversely proportional, meaning that the higher the n, the lower the velocity. As the light moved from air (n =1) to glass (n = 1.5), the n increased, and thus the velocity must decrease because the speed of light in a vacuum is constant.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
An incandescent light bulb is shown through a glass prism. The certain wavlength of the light is then directed into a glass cuvette containing an unknown concentration of protein. Commonly, this process is called spectroscopy and is used to determine the concentrations of DNA, RNA, and proteins in solutions. The indices of reflection of air, glass, and the solution are 1, 1.5, and 1.3, respectively.
As light exits from the wall of the cuvette into the solution, its wavelength .
An incandescent light bulb is shown through a glass prism. The certain wavlength of the light is then directed into a glass cuvette containing an unknown concentration of protein. Commonly, this process is called spectroscopy and is used to determine the concentrations of DNA, RNA, and proteins in solutions. The indices of reflection of air, glass, and the solution are 1, 1.5, and 1.3, respectively.
As light exits from the wall of the cuvette into the solution, its wavelength .
Tap to reveal answer
This question asks us to find the relationship between the wavelength and index of refraction. We will need to know two equations to compute the relationship between the two.
First, we need to relate velocity and index of refraction. The definition of index of refraction allows us to relate the two.
We also know the relationship between velocity and wavelength.
We can now set these formulas equal to each other to find the relationship between wavelength and index of refraction.
We can see that and n are inversely related. If n decreases, the wavelength must increase. In our problem, light in moving from a higher index of refraction to a lower one, meaning the wavelength gets longer (increases).
This question asks us to find the relationship between the wavelength and index of refraction. We will need to know two equations to compute the relationship between the two.
First, we need to relate velocity and index of refraction. The definition of index of refraction allows us to relate the two.
We also know the relationship between velocity and wavelength.
We can now set these formulas equal to each other to find the relationship between wavelength and index of refraction.
We can see that
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
How long will it take a photon to travel through mineral oil?
How long will it take a photon to travel
Tap to reveal answer
The index of refraction is equal to the speed of light in a medium divided by the speed of light in a vacuum.
We can find the time to travel a given distance by manipulating this equation and combining it with the equation for rate: .
Plug in the given values and solve for the velocity in the medium.
Now we can return to the rate equation and solve for the time to travel .
We can recognize that the answer can be simplified by converting to nanoseconds.
The index of refraction is equal to the speed of light in a medium divided by the speed of light in a vacuum.
We can find the time to travel a given distance by manipulating this equation and combining it with the equation for rate:
Plug in the given values and solve for the velocity in the medium.
Now we can return to the rate equation and solve for the time to travel
We can recognize that the answer can be simplified by converting to nanoseconds.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which of the following does not take place when a light wave travels from a medium with a high index of refraction into one with a lower index of refraction?
Which of the following does not take place when a light wave travels from a medium with a high index of refraction into one with a lower index of refraction?
Tap to reveal answer
As the wave travels into the less dense medium, it speeds up, bending away from the normal line. The index of refraction tells the ratio of the velocity in a vacuum in relation to the velocity the medium; thus, the velocity will be greater in a medium with a lower index of refraction.
Frequency remains the same regardless of medium, however, since the velocity changes, the wavelength must accommodate this change.
If velocity increases and frequency remains constant, wavelength must also increase.
Finally, a phase shift only occurs when a light ray reflects from the surface of a more dense medium.
As the wave travels into the less dense medium, it speeds up, bending away from the normal line. The index of refraction tells the ratio of the velocity in a vacuum in relation to the velocity the medium; thus, the velocity will be greater in a medium with a lower index of refraction.
Frequency remains the same regardless of medium, however, since the velocity changes, the wavelength must accommodate this change.
If velocity increases and frequency remains constant, wavelength must also increase.
Finally, a phase shift only occurs when a light ray reflects from the surface of a more dense medium.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is the index of refraction for a material in which light travels at ?
What is the index of refraction for a material in which light travels at
Tap to reveal answer
Relevant equations:
To find index of refraction, divide the speed of light in a vacuum by the speed of light in the material:
Relevant equations:
To find index of refraction, divide the speed of light in a vacuum by the speed of light in the material:
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
The refractive index of medium A is 1.2, while that of medium B is 1.36. Through which medium does light travel faster and at what speed does it travel?
The speed of light is .
The refractive index of medium A is 1.2, while that of medium B is 1.36. Through which medium does light travel faster and at what speed does it travel?
The speed of light is
Tap to reveal answer
The refractive index of a medium (n) is equal to the speed of light (c) divided by the velocity of light through the medium (v).
Rearranging the equation allows us to see the relationship regarding v.
The lower the refractive index, the faster the velocity of light. Medium A has the smaller refractive index. Light will travel faster through medium A at a velocity equal to the speed of light divided by the refractive index.
The refractive index of a medium (n) is equal to the speed of light (c) divided by the velocity of light through the medium (v).
Rearranging the equation allows us to see the relationship regarding v.
The lower the refractive index, the faster the velocity of light. Medium A has the smaller refractive index. Light will travel faster through medium A at a velocity equal to the speed of light divided by the refractive index.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
An incandescent light bulb is shown through a glass prism. The certain wavlength of the light is then directed into a glass cuvette containing an unknown concentration of protein. Commonly, this process is called spectroscopy and is used to determine the concentrations of DNA, RNA, and proteins in solutions. The indices of reflection of air, glass, and the solution are 1, 1.5, and 1.3, respectively.
The velocity of the light when it moves from air to glass.
An incandescent light bulb is shown through a glass prism. The certain wavlength of the light is then directed into a glass cuvette containing an unknown concentration of protein. Commonly, this process is called spectroscopy and is used to determine the concentrations of DNA, RNA, and proteins in solutions. The indices of reflection of air, glass, and the solution are 1, 1.5, and 1.3, respectively.
The velocity of the light when it moves from air to glass.
Tap to reveal answer
This question asks us to consider the relationship between velocity and index of refraction of a medium. If we think back to the definition of index of refraction, we know that it is defined by the ratio of the velocity of light in a vacuum and the velocity of light in some other medium.
n is the index of refraction, c is the speed of light in a vacuum, and v is the speed of light in the new medium.
We can see that n and v are inversely proportional, meaning that the higher the n, the lower the velocity. As the light moved from air (n =1) to glass (n = 1.5), the n increased, and thus the velocity must decrease because the speed of light in a vacuum is constant.
This question asks us to consider the relationship between velocity and index of refraction of a medium. If we think back to the definition of index of refraction, we know that it is defined by the ratio of the velocity of light in a vacuum and the velocity of light in some other medium.
n is the index of refraction, c is the speed of light in a vacuum, and v is the speed of light in the new medium.
We can see that n and v are inversely proportional, meaning that the higher the n, the lower the velocity. As the light moved from air (n =1) to glass (n = 1.5), the n increased, and thus the velocity must decrease because the speed of light in a vacuum is constant.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
An incandescent light bulb is shown through a glass prism. The certain wavlength of the light is then directed into a glass cuvette containing an unknown concentration of protein. Commonly, this process is called spectroscopy and is used to determine the concentrations of DNA, RNA, and proteins in solutions. The indices of reflection of air, glass, and the solution are 1, 1.5, and 1.3, respectively.
As light exits from the wall of the cuvette into the solution, its wavelength .
An incandescent light bulb is shown through a glass prism. The certain wavlength of the light is then directed into a glass cuvette containing an unknown concentration of protein. Commonly, this process is called spectroscopy and is used to determine the concentrations of DNA, RNA, and proteins in solutions. The indices of reflection of air, glass, and the solution are 1, 1.5, and 1.3, respectively.
As light exits from the wall of the cuvette into the solution, its wavelength .
Tap to reveal answer
This question asks us to find the relationship between the wavelength and index of refraction. We will need to know two equations to compute the relationship between the two.
First, we need to relate velocity and index of refraction. The definition of index of refraction allows us to relate the two.
We also know the relationship between velocity and wavelength.
We can now set these formulas equal to each other to find the relationship between wavelength and index of refraction.
We can see that and n are inversely related. If n decreases, the wavelength must increase. In our problem, light in moving from a higher index of refraction to a lower one, meaning the wavelength gets longer (increases).
This question asks us to find the relationship between the wavelength and index of refraction. We will need to know two equations to compute the relationship between the two.
First, we need to relate velocity and index of refraction. The definition of index of refraction allows us to relate the two.
We also know the relationship between velocity and wavelength.
We can now set these formulas equal to each other to find the relationship between wavelength and index of refraction.
We can see that
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
How long will it take a photon to travel through mineral oil?
How long will it take a photon to travel
Tap to reveal answer
The index of refraction is equal to the speed of light in a medium divided by the speed of light in a vacuum.
We can find the time to travel a given distance by manipulating this equation and combining it with the equation for rate: .
Plug in the given values and solve for the velocity in the medium.
Now we can return to the rate equation and solve for the time to travel .
We can recognize that the answer can be simplified by converting to nanoseconds.
The index of refraction is equal to the speed of light in a medium divided by the speed of light in a vacuum.
We can find the time to travel a given distance by manipulating this equation and combining it with the equation for rate:
Plug in the given values and solve for the velocity in the medium.
Now we can return to the rate equation and solve for the time to travel
We can recognize that the answer can be simplified by converting to nanoseconds.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which of the following does not take place when a light wave travels from a medium with a high index of refraction into one with a lower index of refraction?
Which of the following does not take place when a light wave travels from a medium with a high index of refraction into one with a lower index of refraction?
Tap to reveal answer
As the wave travels into the less dense medium, it speeds up, bending away from the normal line. The index of refraction tells the ratio of the velocity in a vacuum in relation to the velocity the medium; thus, the velocity will be greater in a medium with a lower index of refraction.
Frequency remains the same regardless of medium, however, since the velocity changes, the wavelength must accommodate this change.
If velocity increases and frequency remains constant, wavelength must also increase.
Finally, a phase shift only occurs when a light ray reflects from the surface of a more dense medium.
As the wave travels into the less dense medium, it speeds up, bending away from the normal line. The index of refraction tells the ratio of the velocity in a vacuum in relation to the velocity the medium; thus, the velocity will be greater in a medium with a lower index of refraction.
Frequency remains the same regardless of medium, however, since the velocity changes, the wavelength must accommodate this change.
If velocity increases and frequency remains constant, wavelength must also increase.
Finally, a phase shift only occurs when a light ray reflects from the surface of a more dense medium.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is the index of refraction for a material in which light travels at ?
What is the index of refraction for a material in which light travels at
Tap to reveal answer
Relevant equations:
To find index of refraction, divide the speed of light in a vacuum by the speed of light in the material:
Relevant equations:
To find index of refraction, divide the speed of light in a vacuum by the speed of light in the material:
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
The refractive index of medium A is 1.2, while that of medium B is 1.36. Through which medium does light travel faster and at what speed does it travel?
The speed of light is .
The refractive index of medium A is 1.2, while that of medium B is 1.36. Through which medium does light travel faster and at what speed does it travel?
The speed of light is
Tap to reveal answer
The refractive index of a medium (n) is equal to the speed of light (c) divided by the velocity of light through the medium (v).
Rearranging the equation allows us to see the relationship regarding v.
The lower the refractive index, the faster the velocity of light. Medium A has the smaller refractive index. Light will travel faster through medium A at a velocity equal to the speed of light divided by the refractive index.
The refractive index of a medium (n) is equal to the speed of light (c) divided by the velocity of light through the medium (v).
Rearranging the equation allows us to see the relationship regarding v.
The lower the refractive index, the faster the velocity of light. Medium A has the smaller refractive index. Light will travel faster through medium A at a velocity equal to the speed of light divided by the refractive index.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
An incandescent light bulb is shown through a glass prism. The certain wavlength of the light is then directed into a glass cuvette containing an unknown concentration of protein. Commonly, this process is called spectroscopy and is used to determine the concentrations of DNA, RNA, and proteins in solutions. The indices of reflection of air, glass, and the solution are 1, 1.5, and 1.3, respectively.
The velocity of the light when it moves from air to glass.
An incandescent light bulb is shown through a glass prism. The certain wavlength of the light is then directed into a glass cuvette containing an unknown concentration of protein. Commonly, this process is called spectroscopy and is used to determine the concentrations of DNA, RNA, and proteins in solutions. The indices of reflection of air, glass, and the solution are 1, 1.5, and 1.3, respectively.
The velocity of the light when it moves from air to glass.
Tap to reveal answer
This question asks us to consider the relationship between velocity and index of refraction of a medium. If we think back to the definition of index of refraction, we know that it is defined by the ratio of the velocity of light in a vacuum and the velocity of light in some other medium.
n is the index of refraction, c is the speed of light in a vacuum, and v is the speed of light in the new medium.
We can see that n and v are inversely proportional, meaning that the higher the n, the lower the velocity. As the light moved from air (n =1) to glass (n = 1.5), the n increased, and thus the velocity must decrease because the speed of light in a vacuum is constant.
This question asks us to consider the relationship between velocity and index of refraction of a medium. If we think back to the definition of index of refraction, we know that it is defined by the ratio of the velocity of light in a vacuum and the velocity of light in some other medium.
n is the index of refraction, c is the speed of light in a vacuum, and v is the speed of light in the new medium.
We can see that n and v are inversely proportional, meaning that the higher the n, the lower the velocity. As the light moved from air (n =1) to glass (n = 1.5), the n increased, and thus the velocity must decrease because the speed of light in a vacuum is constant.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →