Problem 34.8

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The animation models wave fronts in air entering a region of unknown index of refraction.  Assume the wave fronts are traveling at the speed of light (in air) before entering the unknown region (position is given in units normalized to the speed of light in air).  Restart.  

1. Why are the wave fronts closer together in the unknown medium?
2. What is the index of refraction of the unknown medium?
3. In terms of the speed of light, how fast are the wave fronts traveling inside the medium?

Problem authored by Melissa Dancy.
© 2004 by Prentice-Hall, Inc. A Pearson Company