What Happens to Light as It Travels Between Two Different Media?

[JDiorio]

Homework Statement

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I was asked that as light travels between two media, what happens to its frequency, wavelength and velocity.

Homework Equations

frequency= c/ wavelength

The Attempt at a Solution

I want to say that the frequency remains the same while the velocity and wavelength change, based on the difference of the index of refraction between the two media. But because frequency remains constant, their changes are indirectly proportional so that the frequency stays the same. Is this correct?

 

[lippyka]

Yes, this is correct. The frequency of the light remains constant, while the velocity and wavelength change as the light travels between different media. This is due to the difference in the index of refraction between the two media, which will affect the speed of the light and the wavelength of the light.

 

[kerimek]

Your understanding is correct. The frequency of light remains constant as it passes through two different media. This is because the frequency of light is determined by the source and not affected by the medium it travels through. However, the velocity and wavelength of light will change as it passes through different media due to the difference in the index of refraction. This is known as the principle of refraction, where light bends as it passes through different materials with varying densities. The change in velocity and wavelength is indirectly proportional, as you mentioned, and can be calculated using the equation you provided, c = frequency x wavelength. So, your answer is correct.