Finding the frequency and wavelength of an electromagnetic wave

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on understanding how electromagnetic waves behave when transitioning from water to glass. It emphasizes that while the frequency of the wave remains constant, the wavelength and velocity change due to the different mediums. Participants clarify that if 100 waves per second enter glass from water, the same number must exit, reinforcing that frequency does not change. The conversation concludes that in glass, the wave's velocity decreases, which in turn decreases the wavelength. Overall, the key takeaway is that frequency remains constant while wavelength and velocity are affected by the medium.
aChordate
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Homework Statement



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Homework Equations



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The Attempt at a Solution



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Do I set up a proportion to first find the frequency of the electromagnetic wave in glass?

1.33/(3.42*1014)=1.62/fglass= 4.17*1014
 
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aChordate said:

Homework Statement



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Homework Equations



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The Attempt at a Solution



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Do I set up a proportion to first find the frequency of the electromagnetic wave in glass?

1.33/(3.42*1014)=1.62/fglass= 4.17*1014

Put the equations aside for a minute and imagine your wave propagating from water into glass. Can the frequency change?
 
I was wondering about that. I wouldn't think the frequency or the wavelength would change. Maybe it would just be slowed down??
 
aChordate said:
I was wondering about that. I wouldn't think the frequency or the wavelength would change. Maybe it would just be slowed down??

Pick a point in the water and imagine you have 100 waves/sec passing by. Now pick a point in the glass. You must also have 100 waves/sec passing by, otherwise some waves are getting lost somewhere in between. Can't happen. Now tell me again what can change.
 
So the frequency changes, but not the wavelength?
 
aChordate said:
So the frequency changes, but not the wavelength?

That's sort of the opposite of what I was trying to convey. If 100 waves/sec go in one end then 100 waves/sec must come out the other end, otherwise something is eating waves in between. That's not the picture. I'm trying to convince you the frequency can't change. So two other things must change.
 
Wavelength and velocity.

Glass would decrease the velocity and also decrease the wavelength (?)
 
aChordate said:
Wavelength and velocity.

Glass would decrease the velocity and also decrease the wavelength (?)

Sure!
 
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