Question

The index of refraction of the vitreous humor is greater than the index of refraction of the aqueous humor which is greater than the index of refraction of air. What is the relationship of the speed of light in each of these media? 1\. Fastest in air, slower in aqueous humor, slowest in vitreous humor 2\. Fastest in vitreous humor, slower in aqueous humor, slowest in air 3\. Equal in all three 4\. Depends on the index of refraction of the lenses which separate the media

Short answer

The speed of light in the given media is fastest in air, slower in aqueous humor, and slowest in vitreous humor. This relationship is due to the inverse proportion between the index of refraction and the speed of light in a medium.

Step-by-step solution

Snell's Law and Index of Refraction

Snell's Law states that the index of refraction is the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in a medium. The formula is given by: n = \(\frac{c}{v}\) where: n = index of refraction c = speed of light in a vacuum v = speed of light in the medium From Snell's Law, we understand that as the index of refraction increases, the speed of light in the medium decreases.

Compare Index of Refraction of Media

We are given that the index of refraction of vitreous humor is greater than the index of refraction of aqueous humor, which is greater than the index of refraction of air. We can write this as: \( n_{vitreous} > n_{aqueous} > n_{air} \)

Apply Snell's Law to Find the Relationship

Using the information from Snell's Law, we know that the speed of light in a medium is inversely proportional to its index of refraction. Since \( n_{vitreous} > n_{aqueous} > n_{air} \), and the speed of light is inversely proportional to the index of refraction, we can determine the relationship between the speed of light in these media: \( v_{air} > v_{aqueous} > v_{vitreous} \) The speed of light is fastest in air, slower in aqueous humor, and slowest in vitreous humor. Therefore, the correct answer is: 1. Fastest in air, slower in aqueous humor, slowest in vitreous humor