# Homework Help: Wavelength of light

1. Oct 28, 2008

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Light of wavelength 0.544 µm (in air) enters the water in a swimming pool. The speed of light in water is 0.700 times the speed in air. What is the wavelength of the light in water?

2. Relevant equations
mu = m / L

v = sqrt (F/mu)

speed of air 386 m/s

3. The attempt at a solution
0.700 x 386 = 270.2

270.2 = sqrt (F / 0.544) = 39716.40

F = 39716.40

idk what to do now

2. Oct 28, 2008

### G01

The equations you are using do not apply to light waves. Your formula for a velocity is for a mechanical wave on a string, not a light wave. 386m/s is NOT the speed of light in air, not even close.

Forgive me if I'm wrong, but it seems you are trying to plug and chug equations to get an answer for this problem without even considering what the equations mean. You have to go and seriously read the chapter on this topic in your book if you haven't done so. Trying to mindlessly plug an chug equations is a recipe for disaster in a physics course.

I will give you a few hints to get you on the right path:

The speed of light is related to the light's wavelength and frequency by:

$$\lambda f=v$$

The speed of the light depends on the medium and is given by:

$$v=c/n$$, where n is the index of refraction of the medium.

c is the speed of light in a vacuum:

$$c=\lambda_{vac}f=3*10^8 m/s$$

The frequency of the light will remain the same in all media.

Using this information, can you solve the problem?

3. Oct 28, 2008

thanks for help

4. Oct 29, 2008

how do i do this problem???

5. Oct 30, 2008

### Redbelly98

Staff Emeritus
As GO1 said, use the relation between wavelength, frequency, and speed:

f = v/λ

And this:

Using the fact that f is the same for the light in air or water, work with the above equation.