Corpuscular theory of light predicts speed of light to be

Options

A. independent of medium
B. Greater in water than in vaccum
C. Greater in vaccum than in water
D. Dependent on intensity of light

Answer

To answer the question regarding what the corpuscular theory of light predicts about the speed of light, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Corpuscular Theory**: The corpuscular theory of light, proposed by Isaac Newton, suggests that light is made up of particles called "corpuscles." According to this theory, these particles travel in straight lines and have mass.

2. **Speed of Light in Different Media**: Newton's corpuscular theory implies that the speed of light can vary depending on the medium through which it travels. He believed that light travels faster in denser media compared to rarer media.

3. **Analyzing the Mediums**: In optics, we often refer to "rarer" and "denser" media. For example, air is considered a rarer medium compared to water, which is denser.

4. **Applying the Theory**: According to the corpuscular theory, when light enters a denser medium (like water) from a rarer medium (like air), the speed of light is predicted to increase. This is contrary to the established understanding in wave optics, where light travels slower in denser media.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, according to Newton's corpuscular theory, the speed of light is predicted to be greater in denser media than in rarer media, which is incorrect based on modern physics. The correct understanding is that light travels slower in denser media.

### Final Answer:
The corpuscular theory of light predicts that the speed of light is greater in denser media than in rarer media, which is contrary to the actual behavior of light.

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