An index of refraction less than one for a medium would imply that
A) the speed of light in the medium is the same as the speed of light in vacuum.
B) reflection is not possible.
C) refraction is not possible.
D) the speed of light in the medium is greater than the speed of light in vacuum.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The index of refraction (n) is defined as the ratio of the speed of light in vacuum (c) to the speed of light in the medium (v), given by n = c/v. An index of refraction less than one implies that the speed of light in the medium is greater than the speed of light in vacuum, since this would make the denominator of the fraction larger than the numerator.

An Index of Refraction Less Than One for a Medium