GRE Subject Test: Physics : Fundamental Properties

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Subject Test: Physics

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All GRE Subject Test: Physics Resources

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 :Electromagnetics, Waves, And Optics

A particle traveling through glass (index of refraction 1.33) emits Cherenkov radiation. Which of the following is a possible speed of the particle?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Cherenkov radiation is emitted by a particle traveling faster than the phase velocity of light in that medium. Because, the phase velocity of light in the glass is:

This is the minimum velocity of a particle to be emitting Cherenkov radiation in glass. This eliminates all answers exceptand.The latter is impossible because it is greater than the speed of light in a vacuum, therefore the answer is.

Example Question #1 :Electromagnetics, Waves, And Optics

A monochromatic beam oflight travels through a material with a phase velocity of. What is the refractive index of the material?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The phase velocity of light through a medium with refractive indexis given by:

Solving this forand substituting our given value of:

All GRE Subject Test: Physics Resources

33 Practice Tests Question of the Day Flashcards Learn by Concept
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