What is the wavelength of light in water when it enters a swimming pool?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the wavelength of light in water when it enters a swimming pool, starting with a wavelength of 0.527 µm in air. The speed of light in water is 0.700 times that in air, and the index of refraction for water is given as 1.33. Participants highlight that the frequency of light remains unchanged when transitioning between mediums, allowing for the calculation of the new wavelength in water. The relationship between speed, wavelength, and frequency is emphasized, noting that as the speed decreases, the wavelength also decreases proportionally. The conversation concludes with the suggestion that understanding these relationships simplifies the calculation process.
Soojin
Messages
5
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



"Light of wavelength 0.527 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?"


Homework Equations



v = c /n, where n = 1.33 ,the index of refraction

The Attempt at a Solution



The wavelength of light in air is given. \lambda=0.527
I looked up the speed of light in air -- 299704644.54 m/s
I also know that the speed of light in water is 0.700(299704644.54)

I am not sure how to relate these numbers to v = c/n though, or the equation to use to find the \lambda of light in water. Can anyone offer any insight? Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What's the relationship between speed, wavelength, and frequency for any wave? Which of those parameters remains unchanged when light travels from one medium to another?
 
Doc Al said:
What's the relationship between speed, wavelength, and frequency for any wave? Which of those parameters remains unchanged when light travels from one medium to another?

frequency = v / \lambda, so I would think the frequency would be left unchanged.

So I'm thinking I could do:

f = (speed of light in air)/0.527

to solve for the frequency, then use that value to solve for the wavelength of light in water?
 
Soojin said:
frequency = v / \lambda, so I would think the frequency would be left unchanged.
Good.

So I'm thinking I could do:

f = (speed of light in air)/0.527

to solve for the frequency, then use that value to solve for the wavelength of light in water?
OK, but even easier is to realize that the ratio v/λ must remain fixed, so λ decreases by the same factor that the speed decreases.
 

Thread 'Struggling to understand the concept of this question (ice cube in water optics question)'

TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
View full post »
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Similar threads

Colour depends on wavelength or frequency?
Replies
22
Views
1K
Air wedge interference pattern after being filled with water
Replies
5
Views
2K
Thin film interference on water
Replies
3
Views
4K
Calculating Index of Refraction with Wavelength
Replies
1
Views
2K
Inteference Fringes of Double Slit Experiment in Water
Replies
3
Views
3K
Wavelength of Light: 0.544µm in Air & Water
Replies
4
Views
4K
The maximum intensity for light transmitted through a thin film
Replies
2
Views
3K
Wavelength of light in a dielectric material
Replies
8
Views
2K
Problem involving interference and medium with index n
Replies
1
Views
1K
Light wave Interference - Angler Fish Problem
Replies
3
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top