As the index of refraction of a medium increases, the speed of a wave traveling through that medium decreases.
Understanding Refraction and Wave Speed
Refraction is a phenomenon that occurs when a wave, such as light, enters a different medium. This often happens when a wave moves from one substance to another, like from air into glass or water.
The Role of Refractive Index
The refractive index is a property of a medium that describes how much the speed of light (or another wave) is reduced when traveling through it compared to its speed in a vacuum. According to the provided reference, refraction involves a wave entering a medium of different density. When a wave enters a denser medium, this property is called the Refractive Index.
The Impact on Wave Speed
The reference explicitly states that when a wave enters a denser medium, which is associated with a refractive index property, the wave speed decreases. This establishes a clear relationship:
- Moving into a medium with a higher refractive index (often a denser medium) results in a slower wave speed.
- Conversely, moving into a medium with a lower refractive index means the wave will travel faster (assuming it started in a medium with a higher index, or comparing to a vacuum).
Therefore, as the refractive index of a medium increases, the speed at which a wave travels through it becomes slower.
Key Takeaway from the Reference
Based on the provided information:
- Refraction occurs when a wave enters a medium of different density.
- The Refractive Index is a property of the denser medium.
- When the wave enters a denser medium (with a refractive index), the wave speed decreases.
This directly tells us that an increase in the index of refraction is associated with a decrease in wave speed.
