Light waves bend when they pass from one medium into another having a larger ind

Question

Light waves bend when they pass from one medium into another having a larger index of refraction, because the wavelength for the same frequency of light must be smaller when the light travels slower in the second medium. Given: Light travels at 3.00 Times 10^8 m/sec in air but only 2.25 Times 10^8 in water. The wavelength of the yellow light from a sodium arc lamp is 5.89 Times 10^-7 m in air. Find: What is the frequency of this light? What is the wavelength of this same frequency of light as it travels at a slower velocity in water?

Explanation / Answer

a) frequency = velocity / wavelength = 3.00*10^8/(5.89*10^-7) = 50.93*10^13 Hz

b) wavelength = velocity / frequency = 2.25*10^8/(50.93*10^13) = 4.41*10^-7 m

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