Light, dielectric medium, c, wavelength

[crx]

What is happening to a ray of light of a certain wavelength that passes through a transparent dielectric medium?
Ex: Green light enters in a Bose–Einstein condensate, and slows down some. Than the light is coming out of the medium in free space. What will be the speed of the ray light and what will happen to the wavelength of the light?

- my guess is that speed will be the same (c) and wavelength will decrease so well have some red light coming out...-

 

[atyy]

In the dielectric, the frequency will stay the same, the speed will change.

 

[Entropia]

You are correct in your assumption that the speed of light will remain constant at c, which is the speed of light in a vacuum. However, the wavelength of the light will indeed change as it passes through the transparent dielectric medium. This is due to the interaction between the light and the atoms or molecules in the medium, which can cause the light to slow down and change direction.

In the example given, the green light entering the Bose-Einstein condensate will experience a decrease in speed and a decrease in wavelength. This is known as the phenomenon of refraction, where the light bends as it enters a different medium. When the light exits the medium and enters free space again, it will return to its original speed and wavelength. In this case, the green light may appear to have a slightly longer wavelength, but it will still be in the visible light spectrum.

It is worth noting that the amount of change in speed and wavelength depends on the properties of the dielectric medium. Different materials will cause different levels of refraction, resulting in different changes in speed and wavelength. Additionally, the temperature and density of the medium can also affect the extent of refraction.

In summary, when light passes through a transparent dielectric medium, its speed remains constant but its wavelength can change. This is due to the interaction between the light and the atoms or molecules in the medium, resulting in the phenomenon of refraction.