What is the Color of 250nm Light Passing Through a Material with n=1.6?

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The discussion focuses on the properties of a 400 nm light ray transitioning from a vacuum into a material with a refractive index of n=1.6. The light's speed in the new medium is calculated to be 187.5E6 m/s, with a frequency of 750E12 Hz and a wavelength of 250 nm. While the wavelength falls outside the visible spectrum of 400-700 nm, the frequency remains within the range of visible light. The key takeaway is that frequency is the determining factor for visibility, not wavelength. Understanding this distinction clarifies why the light is no longer considered visible despite its wavelength.
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Homework Statement


A 400 nm light ray is traveling through a vacuum.
a.) Give the light’s speed, frequency and color.
speed = 3E8: Correct
frequency = 7.5E14: Correct
color = violet: Correct

b.) This light now passes into a material where n=1.6. Give the light’s speed, frequency, wavelength and color in this new medium.
speed = 187.5E6 m/s: Correct
frequency = 750E12 Hz: Correct
wavelength = 250 nm: Correct
color = no longer visible light: Your answer is incorrect.I thought visible light only goes from 400nm to 700nm--What am I missing?

The other options are ROYBV
 
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ArtVandelay said:

Homework Statement


A 400 nm light ray is traveling through a vacuum.
a.) Give the light’s speed, frequency and color.
speed = 3E8: Correct
frequency = 7.5E14: Correct
color = violet: Correct

b.) This light now passes into a material where n=1.6. Give the light’s speed, frequency, wavelength and color in this new medium.
speed = 187.5E6 m/s: Correct
frequency = 750E12 Hz: Correct
wavelength = 250 nm: Correct
color = no longer visible light: Your answer is incorrect.


I thought visible light only goes from 400nm to 700nm--What am I missing?

The other options are ROYBV

To your eye, what matters is frequency, not wavelength.
 
Of course! Thank you!
 

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