The change in this quantity between two minerals can be measured using the Becke line test. Phase-contrast imaging relies on the fact that, in the presence of X-rays, this quantity is equal to one minus a delta term on the order of 10 to the negative 5th. This quantity is added to an imaginary extinction coefficient term to model absorption in materials. Victor Veselago proposed the existence of “left-handed” materials for which this quantity is negative. The square of this quantity is equal to the product of relative permittivity and relative permeability. This quantity times the sine of an angle of incidence is constant between two media by Snell’s law. For 10 points, name this quantity that is equal to the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in a medium. ■END■
ANSWER: index of refraction [or refractive index or IOR; prompt on n]
<Physics>
= Average correct buzz position