If a light goes from space to a glass

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of light as it transitions between different media, specifically addressing the concepts of wavelength, frequency, and color. It is established that while the wavelength of light changes when moving from one medium to another, its frequency remains constant. The phenomenon of refraction is highlighted, demonstrating that light changes direction but not color as it passes through materials like glass. Additionally, the Doppler effect is mentioned as a scenario where both frequency and wavelength can change, resulting in a color shift.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of light properties: wavelength, frequency, and color perception
  • Familiarity with the concept of refraction in optics
  • Basic knowledge of the Doppler effect and its implications on light
  • Awareness of the relationship between speed of light and its behavior in different media
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of light refraction and Snell's Law
  • Study the Doppler effect in detail, particularly in relation to light waves
  • Explore the physics of color perception and how it relates to wavelength
  • Investigate the speed of light in various media and its impact on wavelength
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, optical engineers, and anyone interested in the fundamental properties of light and its interaction with different materials.

Hepic
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If a light goes from space to a glass his wavelength becomes smaller.So if we put a red color to a glass it can become orange?
 
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No. The frequency remains the same, as does the energy of the wave. It does not change color.
 
Light does not change wavelength as it moves from one medium to another. It changes path. If you light a torch, or a laser pointer from a side of an aquarium, the light beam retains the same colour, but follow a line at an angle to the original path. It's called refraction.
You can find more information on the wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refraction)
 
It does change wavelength, but not frequency or color.
 
dauto said:
It does change wavelength, but not frequency or color.
Wavelength, frequency, and colour are all pretty much the same thing, so one cannot change without the others.
Frequency is the inverse of wavelength(f=1/λ), and colur is the perception of specific wavelengths.
 
Bandersnatch said:
Light does not change wavelength as it moves from one medium to another.
This is not correct, it does change wavelength.
 
Bandersnatch said:
Wavelength, frequency, and colour are all pretty much the same thing, so one cannot change without the others.
Frequency is the inverse of wavelength(f=1/λ), and colur is the perception of specific wavelengths.

No, wavelength can change while the frequency remains the same: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frequency#Frequency_of_waves

When waves from a monochrome source travel from one medium to another, their frequency remains the same—only their wavelength and speed change.
 
I stand corrected on both accounts.
 
I knew that only speed and wavelength change and that frequency remains the same.but I knew that color is about wavelength so something with 700nm is red.then if wavelength change ,color?
 
  • #10
The only place you see color is inside your retina and it is only the wavelength there that matters. The wavelength there is determined by the frequency of the light and the index of refraction of the vitreous humor.
 
  • #11
Drakkith said:
When waves from a monochrome source travel from one medium to another, their frequency remains the same—only their wavelength and speed change.


So, if colour is the function of the wavelength, why don't color change when wavelength changes?
 
  • #12
curious bishal said:
So, if colour is the function of the wavelength, why don't color change when wavelength changes?

Because that isn't strictly correct. It would be more accurate to say that color changes when the frequency changes, as the frequency doesn't change between emission and absorption, no matter what material the light enters.

But, there are cases where the frequency does change, and so does the color. For example, take the doppler shift of light when traveling towards or away from a light source. There is both a frequency AND a wavelength change, which will change its color as well.
 
  • #13
The frequency of light does not change in different mediums. The wavelength changes because the speed of light though the media changes.

But, to take the point 1 furthur, you cannot see the light in glass. You can only see light that enters your eye, in which case it is no longer in glass.
 
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