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first of : denser matter does not relate to the massive matter(nothing like g/cm³ ! ) it rather relates to the optical density of a matter, which is a measure of how much light is absorbed per length. both also do not make any statement about the speed of light in that matter.

what you are looking for is the refractive index n which is the relationship of speed of light in free space(c0) to the speed of light in a matter(v)

n = c0 / v alternative definition n = radical ( mu * epsilon)

where mu and epsilon are properties of the matter that describe if it amplifies magnetic or electircal fields.

n can never be smaller than one , otherwise the speed of light in that matter would be lager than that of the free space, which by Einstein can not be.

in any matter the speed of light is lower than that in free space.

specifically

v= c0/ n

v= c0/ radical ( mu * epsilon)

Conclusion: Depending on the electrical properties of your matter the speed of light varies. It will always be equal or less than the speed of light in free space.

last note: for example with glass the speed of light does not only change according to the matter used, but also the wavelength. This is the reason why prisms can spread a white beam of light out to make a rainbow spectrum.

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13y ago

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