Explain why the speed of light is lower than 3.0 × 108 m/s as it goes through different media.

Answer:

In a vacuum, there are no atoms or particles that interfere with the path of light. However, in other media, the speed of light is lower than 3.0 × 108 m/s because the wave is continuously absorbed and re-emitted by each atom in its path. The differences in speed are due to the composition of the medium and the density of the particles in the medium.