But they are one and the same thing!

Classical Mechanics Level 2

In which of these media does light travel faster?

Water Ice

2 solutions

Munem Shahriar
Aug 7, 2017

The more optically dense a material is, the slower light will move through the material. To answer your question, the optical density of ice is less than that of water. Light travels through ice faster than it travels through water.

Source: physlink

Achal Jain
Mar 8, 2017

The refractive index of $\text{Ice}$ is $1.31$ where as $\text{water's}$ is $1.33$ .

Is there a way to approach this problem without knowing what the refractive index is?

E.g. is there a scientific explanation that the solid / crystalline nature makes it "easier" for light to pass through?

Calvin Lin Staff - 4 years, 3 months ago

I really can't comment on this even though, i am also interested in knowing if Physical properties such as Temperature, density etc. influence Refractive Index but i have noticed that ''generally'' Solids have a higher refractive index then fluids

For e.g. $\text{ Alcohol =1.36 , Kerosene(denser)=1.44 , (Ruby=1.71, Sapphire=1.77, Diamond=2.42) all solids}$

Achal Jain - 4 years, 3 months ago

OK I understood . Thank you.

Sudhamsh Suraj - 4 years, 3 months ago

But they are one and the same thing!

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