Refraction of Light: Why Frequency Stays Unchanged

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The frequency of light remains unchanged during refraction due to the principle of conservation of energy. If the frequency were to change, it would alter the energy of the light wave, violating this fundamental principle. While the speed of light varies when transitioning between different media, the relationship defined by the equations v = λν (velocity = wavelength * frequency) and E = hν (Energy = Planck's constant * frequency) ensures that frequency remains constant while wavelength adjusts accordingly.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave properties, specifically light waves
  • Familiarity with the equations of wave mechanics: v = λν and E = hν
  • Basic knowledge of the principle of conservation of energy
  • Concept of refraction and its effects on light behavior
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the concept of refraction in different media and its mathematical implications
  • Study the implications of Planck's constant in quantum physics
  • Investigate the effects of varying light speeds in different materials
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in the fundamental principles of light behavior and wave mechanics.

SandeshPhy
Messages
25
Reaction score
0
Why does the frequency of light wave doesn't change during refraction ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Conservation of energy: the frequency of light is linearly related to its energy, thus if the frequency changed - so would its energy, and conservation of energy would be violated. Therefore, the frequency must stay constant.
 
but the speed of light charges when it goes from one medium to another ... right?
 
cupid.callin said:
but the speed of light charges when it goes from one medium to another ... right?
Yes, absolutely---this is required so that the wavelength can change *without* the frequency changing.

I.e.
v = \lambda \nu (velocity = wavelength * frequency)
E = h \nu (Energy = Planck's constant * frequency = constant)
 

Similar threads

Refraction of light when traveling from air to glass
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Lens Maker's Formula - Confusion in the derivation
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
White light passing through prism
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
What is the refraction index of liver?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Calculate a radius of a circle on a screen
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Light incident on a sphere, focused at a distance ##2R##
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Refractive Index: Speed of Light in Medium vs Vacuum
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Refraction: object disappearing in liquid
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
Why does a traveling wave pulse get distorted?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
The refractive index of an unknown liquid
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K