If the refractive index of a medium is 1.5, what is the wavelength of light in t
Practice Questions
Q1
If the refractive index of a medium is 1.5, what is the wavelength of light in that medium if the wavelength in vacuum is 600 nm?
400 nm
600 nm
800 nm
900 nm
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
If the refractive index of a medium is 1.5, what is the wavelength of light in that medium if the wavelength in vacuum is 600 nm?
Step 1: Understand that the refractive index (n) of a medium tells us how much light slows down in that medium compared to vacuum.
Step 2: Know that the wavelength of light in a medium (λ) can be calculated using the formula: λ = λ0 / n, where λ0 is the wavelength in vacuum.
Step 3: Identify the given values: λ0 (wavelength in vacuum) is 600 nm and n (refractive index) is 1.5.
Step 4: Plug the values into the formula: λ = 600 nm / 1.5.
Step 5: Perform the division: 600 nm divided by 1.5 equals 400 nm.
Step 6: Conclude that the wavelength of light in the medium is 400 nm.
Refractive Index – The refractive index (n) of a medium is the ratio of the speed of light in vacuum to the speed of light in that medium, affecting the wavelength of light.
Wavelength in Different Media – The wavelength of light changes when it passes from one medium to another, calculated using the formula λ = λ0/n, where λ0 is the wavelength in vacuum.
