Does Frequency Change in a Medium?

[Theudius]

Hi I was told by physics lecturer that both the wave speed and wave length of light changes when it enters a medium, however I questioned this stating that if both wave speed and wave length changed then frequency must also according to the formula c = fλ. He stated that "frequency is energy and energy is conserved"

I was wondering if I would be able to get a more in depth answer from someone here and correct my lecturers statement.

 

[BvU]

No joy: teacher is right. You can convince yourself easily if you think of the conditions at the interface. If the one 'vibrates' at a certain frequency, then the other won't 'vibrate' at a different frequency

 

[davenn]

however I questioned this stating that if both wave speed and wave length changed then frequency must also according to the formula c = fλ.

No joy: teacher is right. You can convince yourself easily if you think of the conditions at the interface. If the one 'vibrates' at a certain frequency, then the other won't 'vibrate' at a different frequency

indeed

@Theud try rearranging your formula and fix the frequency so f = c/λ ... you can have any number of variations of c and λ and have the same frequency

Dave

 

[pixel]

You mean the same frequency.

 

[davenn]

You mean the same frequency.

oops corrected