Solving for Frequency & Wavelength of Light in Air & Glass

In summary, the relationship between frequency and wavelength of light in air and glass is inverse, with the speed of light being slower in glass due to differences in density and refractive index. The frequency of light remains constant regardless of the medium, but the wavelength changes as it passes through different mediums. The formula for calculating the wavelength in a specific medium is λ = c/n, and can be used for any medium as long as the speed of light and refractive index are known.
  • #1
Ry122
565
2
Problem: red light of wavelength 560nm is passed from air into glass where its velocity is 1.96 x 10^8 m/s.
(c=3*10^8)
Find the frequency of the light in air and the wavelength of the light in glass.

Can someone please tell me what c is and what formulas i need to use.
thanks
 
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  • #2
c is the symbol for the speed of light in a vacuum.

Have you met the concept of refraction?
 
  • #3
Is this how u could calculate the velocity?
n=vair/vglass
vglass=vair/n
(3x10^8/1.52) = 197368421.1 m/s
 

1. What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength of light in air and glass?

The relationship between frequency and wavelength of light in air and glass is inverse. This means that as the frequency increases, the wavelength decreases, and vice versa. This relationship is described by the equation: c = fλ, where c is the speed of light, f is the frequency, and λ is the wavelength.

2. How does the speed of light differ in air and glass?

The speed of light is slower in glass compared to air. This is due to the difference in density and refractive index of the two mediums. In air, the speed of light is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second, while in glass, it can range from 200,000,000 to 225,000,000 meters per second.

3. How is the frequency and wavelength of light affected by the medium it travels through?

The frequency of light remains constant regardless of the medium it travels through. However, the wavelength changes as it passes through different mediums. This is because the speed of light is affected by the density and refractive index of the medium, which results in a change in wavelength.

4. What is the formula for calculating the wavelength of light in a specific medium?

The formula for calculating the wavelength of light in a specific medium is λ = c/n, where λ is the wavelength, c is the speed of light in a vacuum, and n is the refractive index of the medium. This formula can be used for any medium, including air and glass.

5. Can the frequency and wavelength of light be calculated for other mediums besides air and glass?

Yes, the frequency and wavelength of light can be calculated for any medium, as long as the speed of light and refractive index of the medium are known. The formula for calculating the wavelength in a specific medium is λ = c/n, where c is the speed of light and n is the refractive index of the medium.

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