Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]
- Exam
- Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]
- Subject
- Physics
- Chapter
- Light Waves
Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1] · Physics · Light Waves
As light undergoes refraction into a medium,
As light undergoes refraction into a medium,
Options
- Aits wavelength decreases while its frequency remains unchanged
- Bits wavelength increases while its frequency remains unchanged
- Cboth its wavelength and frequency increase
- Dboth its wavelength and frequency decrease
Correct answer
A. its wavelength decreases while its frequency remains unchanged
Step-by-step solution
When light travels from vacuum or air into an optically denser medium of refractive index , its speed decreases according to the relation .
The frequency of light is a fundamental property of the source and remains unchanged during refraction across any boundary.
Using the wave equation , since the speed decreases and the frequency remains constant, the wavelength must decrease ().
Therefore, its wavelength decreases while its frequency remains unchanged.
The frequency of light is a fundamental property of the source and remains unchanged during refraction across any boundary.
Using the wave equation , since the speed decreases and the frequency remains constant, the wavelength must decrease ().
Therefore, its wavelength decreases while its frequency remains unchanged.