Question

Cold sodium atoms (near absolute zero) in a state called a Bose-Einstein condensate can slow the speed of light from its normally high value to a speed approaching that of an automobile in a city. The speed of light in one such medium was recorded as $61.15 \mathrm{~km} / \mathrm{h}$. (a) Find the index of refraction of this medium. (b) What is the critical angle for total internal reflection if the condensate is surrounded by vacuum?

          Cold sodium atoms (near absolute zero) in a state called a Bose-Einstein condensate can slow the speed of light from its normally high value to a speed approaching that of an automobile in a city. The speed of light in one such medium was recorded as $61.15 \mathrm{~km} / \mathrm{h}$.
(a) Find the index of refraction of this medium.
(b) What is the critical angle for total internal reflection if the condensate is surrounded by vacuum?

Added by Ryan G.

University Physics with Modern Physics

Hugh D. Young 14th Edition

Instant Answer

Solved by Expert Madhur L

06/21/2022

Step 1

Given: Speed of light in the medium, $v = 61.15 \, \text{km/h} = 16.986 \, \text{m/s}$ Speed of light in vacuum, $c = 3 \times 10^8 \, \text{m/s}$ The index of refraction, $n$, can be calculated using the formula: \[ n = \frac{c}{v} \] Substitute the values: \[ Show more…

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Cold sodium atoms (near absolute zero) in a state called a Bose-Einstein condensate can slow the speed of light from its normally high value to a speed approaching that of an automobile in a city. The speed of light in one such medium was recorded as $61.15 \mathrm{~km} / \mathrm{h}$. (a) Find the index of refraction of this medium. (b) What is the critical angle for total internal reflection if the condensate is surrounded by vacuum?