Single correct option
Consider the following statements about light:
1. The speed of light is the same in all transparent media.
2. Light waves are transverse in nature.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. The speed of light is the same in all transparent media.
2. Light waves are transverse in nature.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A. 1 only
- B. 2 only
- C. Both 1 and 2
- D. Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer and solution
Answer: (B) 2 only
The speed of light is greatest in vacuum, about 3 x 10^8 m/s, and is lower in water or glass, where it equals c divided by the refractive index. Statement 1 is therefore wrong. Light is an electromagnetic wave whose electric and magnetic fields oscillate perpendicular to the direction of travel, so it is transverse, as shown by polarisation. Statement 2 is correct.
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