Refraction of light (Question 1 (20 Marks)) — UPSC Physics Optional CSE 2011 Paper I

Prove that the group velocity V_g of electromagnetic waves in a dispersive medium with refractive index n(\lambda_0) at wavelength \lambda_0 is given by V_g=\frac{c}{n(\lambda_0)-\lambda_0\dfrac{dn(\lambda_0)}{d\lambda_0}} where c is the free space velocity of light. Find the time taken for the electromagnetic pulse to travel a distance D.