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

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The index of refraction is defined as the ratio of the speed of light in vacuum to the speed of light in the medium. An index of refraction less than one would mean that light travels faster in the medium than in vacuum, which is not physically possible for any known medium.

An Index of Refraction Less Than One for a Medium