change in velocity of light with change in optical density

utkarsh009

hey guys! we know that velocity of a wave = wavelength x frequency. and speed of light changes with change in optical density. so there must be change in either frequency or wavelength or both. which of these quantities change with change in optical density? and why?

Andy Resnick

The wavelength changes by l' =l/n, where n is the (real part of the) index of refraction. The wavelength changes instead of the frequency because the momentum is given by wavelength, while energy is given by frequency.

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utkarsh009	change in velocity of light with change in optical density Tweet hey guys! we know that velocity of a wave = wavelength x frequency. and speed of light changes with change in optical density. so there must be change in either frequency or wavelength or both. which of these quantities change with change in optical density? and why?

Andy Resnick Recognitions: Science Advisor	The wavelength changes by l' =l/n, where n is the (real part of the) index of refraction. The wavelength changes instead of the frequency because the momentum is given by wavelength, while energy is given by frequency.