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Ch 33: The Nature and Propagation of Light
Young & Freedman Calc - University Physics 14th Edition
Young & Freedman Calc14th EditionUniversity PhysicsISBN: 9780321973610Non è quello che usi tu?Cambia libro di testo
Capitolo 33, Problema 3b

A beam of light has a wavelength of 650 nm in vacuum. What is the wavelength of these waves in the liquid?

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First, understand that the wavelength of light changes when it moves from one medium to another due to the change in speed. The speed of light in a medium is given by the equation: v=cn, where c is the speed of light in vacuum and n is the refractive index of the medium.
Next, recall the relationship between the speed of light, frequency, and wavelength: v=fλ, where v is the speed of light in the medium, f is the frequency, and λ is the wavelength.
Since the frequency of light remains constant when transitioning between media, use the equation: f=cλ in vacuum and f=vλ' in the liquid, where λ' is the wavelength in the liquid.
Equate the two expressions for frequency: cλ=vλ'. Substitute v with cn to get: cλ=cnλ'.
Solve for λ' by rearranging the equation: λ'=λn. This gives the wavelength of the light in the liquid.

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Wavelength

Wavelength is the distance between consecutive peaks of a wave, typically measured in nanometers for light. It determines the color of visible light and is affected by the medium through which the light travels. In a vacuum, light travels at its maximum speed, and its wavelength is unchanged.
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Refractive Index

The refractive index of a medium is a measure of how much the speed of light is reduced inside the medium compared to its speed in a vacuum. It is a dimensionless number that indicates how much light bends when entering the medium. A higher refractive index means light travels slower, affecting its wavelength.
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Speed of Light in Different Media

The speed of light varies depending on the medium it travels through. In a vacuum, light travels at approximately 299,792 km/s, but this speed decreases in denser media like liquids or solids. The change in speed results in a change in wavelength, while the frequency remains constant.
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