For the same angle of incidence in media P, Q and R, the angles of refraction are 45^o, 35^o and 15^o respectively. In which medium will the velocity of light be minimum? Give reason for your answer.

Academic Physics NCERT Class 10

Given: For the same angle of incidence in media P, Q and R, the angles of refraction are 45^o, 35^o and 15^o respectively for three media

To find: In which medium will the velocity of light be minimum

Solution:

We know that Refractive index $\mu = \frac{sin \ i}{sin \ r}$

If the angle of refraction $r$ is less, then the value of denominator $sin \ r$ will also be less.

The value of $\mu = \frac{sin \ i}{sin \ r}$ will be more if denominator is less.

We can conclude that for the same angle of incidence $i$, the refractive index will be maximum for the medium for which '$r$’ is minimum.

'$r$’ is minimum for the medium R, so the refractive index $\mu$ is maximum.

We also know that $\text{Speed of light in medium} = \frac{\text{Speed of light in air}}{\mu}$

For medium R, refractive index $\mu$ is maximum, so the velocity of light be minimum

Updated on: 10-Oct-2022

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