The table describes what happens to the wavelength and speed of light when it passes from air into an optically denser medium. Row Wavelength Speed A decrea...
Question 1 Report
The table describes what happens to the wavelength and speed of light when it passes from air into an optically denser medium.
| Row | Wavelength | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| A | decreases | decreases |
| B | decreases | increases |
| C | increases | decreases |
| D | stays the same | decreases |
Which row is correct?
Answer Details
When light passes from air into an optically denser medium (such as glass or water), two things happen: the speed decreases and the wavelength decreases.
The key relationship is \( v = f\lambda \). The frequency of a wave is determined by the source and does not change when the wave enters a new medium. Since frequency stays constant and speed decreases, the wavelength must also decrease to keep the equation balanced:
\[ \lambda = \frac{v}{f} \]
If \( v \) decreases and \( f \) stays the same, \( \lambda \) must decrease. Therefore the correct description is that both wavelength and speed decrease.
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