Quantrex Quantrex AcademyJEE · NEET · NDA PYQs with solutions Open app
Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]
Exam
Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]
Subject
Physics
Chapter
Speed of Light

Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1] · Physics · Speed of Light

The speeds of red light and yellow light are exactly equal

The speeds of red light and yellow light are exactly equal

Options

  1. Ain air but not in vacuum
  2. Bin both vacuum and air
  3. Cin neither vacuum nor air
  4. Din vacuum but not in air

Correct answer

D. in vacuum but not in air

Step-by-step solution

In vacuum, all electromagnetic waves travel with the same speed c=3×108 m/sc = 3 \times 10^8 \text{ m/s}, regardless of their wavelength. Thus, the speeds of red and yellow light are exactly equal in vacuum.

In a material medium like air, the speed of light is given by v=cμv = \dfrac{c}{\mu}, where μ\mu is the refractive index of the medium. According to Cauchy's relation, the refractive index depends on the wavelength as μ=A+Bλ2\mu = A + \dfrac{B}{\lambda^2}. Since the wavelength of red light is greater than that of yellow light (λred>λyellow\lambda_{\text{red}} > \lambda_{\text{yellow}}), the refractive index of air for red light is slightly less than that for yellow light (μred<μyellow\mu_{\text{red}} < \mu_{\text{yellow}}).

Therefore, the speed of red light in air is slightly greater than the speed of yellow light (vred>vyellowv_{\text{red}} > v_{\text{yellow}}). The speeds are exactly equal in vacuum but not in air.
Practice Speed of Light on Quantrex Academy →

More from Speed of Light

The following data are utilized in an experiment to measure the speed of light using… Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]In a Michelson experiment intended for measuring the speed of light, the total distance… Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]For an experiment using Foucault's apparatus, the setup distances are given as follows… Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]An illuminated object is positioned on the principal axis of a converging lens such that… Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]Light travels through a closed cylindrical tube filled with a gas. As the gas is… Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]The speed of light is equal to 299 , 792 , 458 m s^ -1 Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]Which of the following techniques can be employed to determine the speed of light in… Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]Which of the following methods can be utilized to measure the speed of light inside a… Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1] Full Speed of Light list All Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1] PYQs