The discussion centers on the phenomenon of light refraction, specifically how violet light, with the shortest wavelength, is refracted more than red light, which has the longest wavelength. This is attributed to the speed of light in a medium being influenced by the dielectric properties and wavelength, resulting in a lower index of refraction for red light compared to violet light. The conversation references David J. Griffith's "Introduction to Electrodynamics," particularly chapter 9, which covers the relationship between wavelength, speed in a medium, and the angle of refraction in accordance with Maxwell's equations.
PREREQUISITESStudents of physics, optical engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of light behavior and refraction in various media.
The wedge of water bends each different wavelength by a slightly different amount. Red has the longest wavelength and is bent the least. Violet has the shortest and is bent the most.
Awesome, is that David J. Griffith's Introduction to Electrodynamics by any chance?PeroK said:I can give you a partial answer. The speed of light in a medium depends on the dielectric properties of medium and the wavelength of the light. The red light travels faster in the medium than the violet light, so has a lower index of refraction.
For a fuller explanation of how the wavelength and dielectric properties determine the refractive index, I would have to consult Griffiths when I get home!
Yes. As I suspected, it's quite advanced (chapter 9) and entails satisfying Maxwell's equations for a light wave obliquely incident on the boundary between two mediums. The speed in the medium and angle of refraction depend on the wavelength.plaguedbyfoibles said:Awesome, is that David J. Griffith's Introduction to Electrodynamics by any chance?