Does the colour of light change with a change in medium

In summary, the speed of light remains constant in a particular medium, but its color depends on both frequency and wavelength. When the medium changes, the wavelength may change, but the frequency remains the same. This can make it difficult to determine which factor is responsible for the change in color. Additional resources such as the given thread and link can provide further clarification.
  • #1
utkarsh009
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Homework Statement



This is just my doubt and not really a question. We know that speed of light changes upon change in medium of propagation. Its wavelength also changes. But its frequency doesn't change. So, does the colour of light change upon change in the medium of propagation?

Homework Equations



Speed = wavelength x frequency

The Attempt at a Solution


Since the speed of light is constant in a particular medium, so colour of light depends upon both, frequency and wavelength. So, I'm not able to figure out which one of them should I consider when looking at the colour of light while the medium changes. Wavelength is changing but frequency isn't!
 
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  • #3
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1. How does light change color in different mediums?

Light changes color in different mediums due to the process of refraction. When light travels from one medium to another, its speed and direction change, causing it to bend. This bending of light causes it to appear to have a different color in different mediums.

2. Can light change color when it passes through a transparent object?

Yes, light can change color when it passes through a transparent object. This is because the transparent object has a different refractive index than the surrounding air, causing the light to bend and change direction, thus changing its color.

3. Does the color of light change when it travels through a vacuum?

No, the color of light does not change when it travels through a vacuum. This is because a vacuum does not have any particles to cause refraction, so the light maintains its original color.

4. Why do objects appear to have different colors in different lighting conditions?

Objects can appear to have different colors in different lighting conditions due to the phenomenon of color constancy. Our brains adjust the perception of an object's color based on the lighting conditions, so the object may appear to have different colors under different lighting.

5. Does the color of light change when it passes through a prism?

Yes, the color of light changes when it passes through a prism. This is because a prism has a triangular shape that causes the light to bend and separate into its component colors, creating a rainbow effect.

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