# Determining the Index of Refraction

1. Apr 9, 2008

### cse63146

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

PART A) What is the frequency of blue light that has a wavelength of 450 nm?

PART B) What is the frequency of red light that has a wavelength of 650 nm?

PART C) What is the index of refraction of a material in which the red-light wavelength is 450 nm?

2. Relevant equations

$$v = f \lambda$$

3. The attempt at a solution

PART A

$$f = \frac{v}{\lambda} = \frac{3*10^8}{450*10^{-9}} = 4.62*10^{14} Hz$$

*CORRECT*

PART B

$$f = \frac{v}{\lambda} = \frac{3*10^8}{650*10^{-9}} = 6.67*10^{14} Hz$$

*CORRECT*

PART C

Not sure. Can someone point me in the right direction?

2. Apr 9, 2008

### negatifzeo

I wanna help but I'm not sure if this is right. The index if refraction is c/v. Maybe you need to use the frequency you got from part b and determine the new velocity of the red light with the new wavelength? Then divide c by this to get the refraction index?

3. Apr 9, 2008

### cse63146

is frequency the same for red light regardless of it's wavelength?

4. Apr 9, 2008

### negatifzeo

Not if it's travelling at the speed of light. But my understanding is that refraction slows down light waves, so you might try using the same frequency you had before to find the new speed. Again, Im a student probably around the same place you are in your studies so I dont know. Thats what I would try though

5. Apr 9, 2008

### Dick

negatifzeo is correct. The frequency of the light doesn't change. Only the velocity and hence the wavelength.

6. Apr 9, 2008

### cse63146

Yep, you were correct. I multiplyed the frequncy I got from Part B by the 450 nm to get v, then I just divided it c by it to get the index of redraction.

Thank you.