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Light slows down in air and water because these mediums have a higher refractive index than vacuum. The interaction between light and the atoms or molecules in air and water causes the light to be absorbed and re-emitted, resulting in a slower speed for the light waves.

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AnswerBot

1y ago

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What slows down the speed of light?

Light will slow down if it goes through just about anything that is not a vacuum, for example air, glass, water.


Do light waves slow down or speed up when they hit water?

When light waves enter water, they slow down. This change in speed is due to the difference in the refractive index between air and water, which causes the light to bend as it moves from one medium to another.


Does the speed of light ever slow down?

The speed of light is different in different substances ... air, water, glass, jello, etc.


Why light enters water does it speed up or slow down?

Slows IF it enters the water from air (and not - say - glass).


When light waves move from air to water they?

bend towards the normal and slow down due to the increase in optical density.


Why does light slow down when it passes from air into water?

Light slows down when passing from air into water because the speed of light is slower in water compared to air due to the difference in the refractive indices of the two mediums. The change in speed occurs because light waves bend as they enter a denser medium, causing a change in direction and speed.


Does light waves travel through a diamond air water or a vacuum fastest?

Light waves travel fastest through a vacuum, as there are no particles to interact with and slow down the speed of light. In descending order, light travels fastest in a vacuum, then air, water, and finally, diamond, which has a higher refractive index that slows down the speed of light.


Does light travel faster through air water vacuum or glass?

Light travels fastest in a vacuum because there are no particles to slow it down. It slows down in air, even more in water, and even more in glass due to interactions with particles in those mediums.


Is light slower in air or water or a vacuum and Why?

Light travels fastest in a vacuum because there are no particles to interact with and slow it down. It travels slower in air and even slower in water due to the presence of molecules that can scatter and absorb light, causing it to travel at a reduced speed.


Is this true Light waves do not change speed as they travel from air through water?

Light waves do change speed as they travel from air to water due to the change in the medium's refractive index. In general, light travels slower in water compared to air, causing a change in speed and resulting in the bending of the light waves known as refraction.


How does the speed of light change when it enters the water?

That would depend what it enters from. If the light is transitioning from air to water,its speed decreases. If it's going from jello to water, its speed increases.


When light enters water it slows down when it exits it speed up again How is this possible and where does it get the energy to do so?

The hydrogen in water causes the speed of light to slow down. When it exits, the air and gravity cause it to speed up again. It gets the energy from gravity.