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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.

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Q: Is light slower in air or water or a vacuum and Why?
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Related questions

Does light travel faster underwater than in air?

As compared to what? Compared to air, or to a vacuum, light travels quite a bit slower in water.As compared to what? Compared to air, or to a vacuum, light travels quite a bit slower in water.As compared to what? Compared to air, or to a vacuum, light travels quite a bit slower in water.As compared to what? Compared to air, or to a vacuum, light travels quite a bit slower in water.


Is the speed of light slower in air or in a vacuum?

Speed of light is max. in vaccum and slower in air.


Which factors affect the velocity of light?

The velocity of light is affected by the medium it travels through. It travels fastest in a vacuum and slower in materials like air, water, or glass. It is also influenced by the frequency and wavelength of the light.


In which medium is the speed of light a maximum?

The speed of light is a maximum in a vacuum. In other media, such as air or water, the speed of light is slower due to interactions with the medium's particles.


Compare and contrast the speed in water and in the glass?

The speed of light in water is slower than in a vacuum. This is due to the higher refractive index of water compared to air, causing light to bend more in water. In a glass, the speed of light is also slower compared to a vacuum, though the exact speed will depend on the composition of the glass.


How does light change speed from glass to air?

Light changes speed when it moves from glass to air due to the difference in optical density between the two mediums. In glass, light travels slower due to the higher density, resulting in refraction as it enters the less dense air. This change in speed causes the light to bend and change direction.


Does light travel fastest in space in air in water or through glass?

Light travels fastest in a vacuum, such as in space. It slows down when passing through different mediums like air, water, and glass due to interactions with atoms and molecules in those materials, which cause the light to refract and bend.


Does light speed up or slow down when it leaves water into the air?

The speed of light in air is almost but not quite the same as its speed in vacuum,whereas its speed in water is about 25% less.So when light passes from air into water, its speed drops by about 25% .


Why does light slow down in air and water?

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.


Does light travel slower threw water?

Yes, light travels slower in water than in air.


Why light move slower in air than vacuum?

Light moves slower in air than in a vacuum because air molecules and atoms can interact with the electromagnetic waves of light, causing them to scatter and slow down. In a vacuum, there are no particles to interact with, so light can move through it at its maximum speed of approximately 299,792,458 meters per second.


What does light travel fastest in?

Light travels fastest in vacuum, such as outer space, where there are no particles to slow it down. In other mediums, such as air or water, light travels at slightly slower speeds.