What is the frequency of light with a wavelength of 7.245×10−7 m in glass?

In summary, the index of refraction of a glass prism varies depending on the wavelength of light entering it. In a vacuum, the index of refraction is 1.44 for light with a wavelength of 7.245×10−7 m and 1.79 for light with a wavelength of 4.433×10−7 m. When a beam of white light is directed through the prism, it is dispersed into its spectral components. To determine the frequency of the light with a wavelength of 7.245×10−7 m in the glass, the equation c = λf is used, where c is the speed of light and λ is the wavelength. The calculated frequency is 5.03125e-
  • #1
elitepro
5
0

Homework Statement


The glass prism has an index of refraction
that depends on the wavelength of the light
that enters it. The index of refraction is
1.44 for light of wavelength 7.245 × 10−7 m
in a vacuum and 1.79 for light of wavelength
4.433 × 10−7 m in vacuum. A beam of white
light is incident from the left, perpendicular
to the first surface, as shown in the figure,
and is dispersed by the prism into its spectral
components.

Determine the frequency of the 7.245×10−7 m
light in the glass.
Answer in units of Hz

Homework Equations


c = λf

The Attempt at a Solution


Alright so I calculated the frequency to be 5.03125e-7 (this is correct),
so I just plugged this into the formula 3*10^8/5.03125e-7 and got 5.96*10^14 m
I thought I did this correctly. Did I do something silly?
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
elitepro said:
Alright so I calculated the frequency to be 5.03125e-7 (this is correct),
I don't see how it can be. How do you know it is right? Please post your calculation.
 

What is the frequency of light waves?

The frequency of light waves refers to the number of complete cycles of the wave that occur in one second. It is measured in units of Hertz (Hz).

How does the frequency of light affect its properties?

The frequency of light determines its energy and wavelength. Higher frequencies have shorter wavelengths and carry more energy, while lower frequencies have longer wavelengths and carry less energy.

What is the relationship between the frequency of light and its color?

The frequency of light is directly related to its color. Higher frequencies correspond to colors on the blue end of the visible light spectrum, while lower frequencies correspond to colors on the red end.

Can the frequency of light be changed?

The frequency of light cannot be changed by altering the light itself, but it can be affected by the medium through which it travels. For example, light travels slower in water than in air, causing a change in frequency and resulting in a change in the perceived color.

How is the frequency of light related to the speed of light?

The frequency of light and the speed of light are inversely proportional. This means that as the frequency of light increases, the speed of light decreases, and vice versa. This relationship is described by the equation c = λf, where c is the speed of light, λ is the wavelength, and f is the frequency.

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