Refraction of Light: Why Frequency Stays Unchanged

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of light refraction and the behavior of light waves, specifically focusing on the constancy of frequency during this process.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between frequency, energy, and the speed of light in different media. Questions arise regarding how the speed of light changes while frequency remains constant.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the conservation of energy as a reason for the frequency remaining unchanged. Others have confirmed the change in speed of light when transitioning between media, indicating a productive exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants are examining the implications of light's behavior in different media, particularly focusing on the definitions and relationships between speed, wavelength, and frequency.

SandeshPhy
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Why does the frequency of light wave doesn't change during refraction ?
 
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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)
 

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