Light Refraction and Wavelength / Frequency

In summary, light refraction is the bending of light as it passes through different mediums. This can cause objects to appear distorted or shifted when viewed through different mediums, and is due to the change in speed of light as it travels through different densities. Wavelength and frequency of light are inversely proportional to each other, and the refraction of light can contribute to the formation of rainbows by dispersing light into its different colors. The difference between a prism and a lens in terms of light refraction is that a prism separates light into its colors, while a lens can focus light to create images.
  • #1
Chen
977
1
Another question in the exam today was "What property of light changes when light moves between different mediums, its wavelength of frequency?". I had to flip a coin on this one (like everyone else, this was not taught in class) and went with frequency.
 
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  • #2
Well... you lost... :frown:

Sorry, Chen, but frequency is maintained from one medium to the next.
 
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  • #3
In what class was that?
 

What is light refraction?

Light refraction is the bending of light as it passes through different mediums, such as air, water, or glass. This is due to the change in speed of light as it travels through different densities.

How does refraction affect the appearance of objects?

Refraction can cause objects to appear distorted or shifted when viewed through different mediums. For example, a straw in a glass of water may appear bent due to the refraction of light passing through the water.

What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency of light?

Wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional to each other. This means that as the wavelength of light increases, the frequency decreases, and vice versa.

How does the refraction of light contribute to the formation of rainbows?

When light passes through water droplets in the air, it is refracted and dispersed into its different colors. This creates the rainbow effect that we see in the sky.

What is the difference between a prism and a lens in terms of light refraction?

A prism is a solid object with flat surfaces that can refract light and separate it into its different colors. A lens, on the other hand, is a curved object that can refract and focus light to create images. Both use the principle of refraction, but in different ways.

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