2007-08-13 04:54:16 · 5 answers · asked by diliprasad23 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Yes.
Light is slowed down in transparent media such as air, water and glass.
The ratio by which it is slowed is called the refractive index of the medium and is always greater than one.
This was discovered by Jean Foucault in 1850.
2007-08-13 04:59:43 · answer #1 · answered by the_lipsiot 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure we can reduce it to zero be shining it into a lead wall. The speed of light is effected by the medium that is is passing through, and the forces that are acting upon it. Gravity can effect the speed of light as predicted by the general law of relativity.
ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_of_light
2007-08-13 12:02:38 · answer #2 · answered by Dr Dave P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yep as per this web page..
"The research team, led by Connie J. Chang-Hasnain, UC Berkeley professor of electrical engineering and computer sciences, has created a device that uses a laser amplifier to slow the speed of light more than one million-fold. The researchers clocked the speed of light at 245 meters per second, or three-quarters the speed of sound in air. Moreover, the team did this at room temperature."
Much more at web page...
2007-08-13 12:02:50 · answer #3 · answered by Indiana Frenchman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes -- Best example of this is Cherenkov radiation where particles are exceeding the local speed of light also the bending of a light beam on entering or leaving glass.
2007-08-13 12:00:23 · answer #4 · answered by fjblume2000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. The speed changes automatically when light enters any medium other than a vacuum, so yes.
2007-08-13 11:58:51 · answer #5 · answered by Cirric 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋