Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyWave Phenomena: Reflection, Refraction, Interference, Diffraction, and Polarization

A light wave of frequency 5.00×1014 Hz5.00 \times 10^{14}\text{ Hz} travels from air into a glass medium with a refractive index of 1.501.50. What is the frequency of the light wave inside the glass medium?

  1. A
    3.33×1014 Hz3.33 \times 10^{14}\text{ Hz}
  2. 5.00×1014 Hz5.00 \times 10^{14}\text{ Hz}Answer
  3. C
    7.50×1014 Hz7.50 \times 10^{14}\text{ Hz}
  4. D
    2.25×1014 Hz2.25 \times 10^{14}\text{ Hz}

Answer

The frequency of the light wave inside the glass medium remains 5.00×1014 Hz5.00 \times 10^{14}\text{ Hz}.
When light passes from one medium into another, its speed and wavelength change, but its frequency remains constant because it depends solely on the source producing the wave.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the given physical parameters.
Initial frequency f=5.00×1014 Hzf = 5.00 \times 10^{14}\text{ Hz} and refractive index n=1.50n = 1.50.
Understanding provided quantities is the starting point for wave refraction analysis.
2
Apply the principle of frequency conservation across optical boundaries.
Frequency in glass medium fglass=fair=5.00×1014 Hzf_{\text{glass}} = f_{\text{air}} = 5.00 \times 10^{14}\text{ Hz}.
When a wave passes into a different medium, its speed and wavelength alter in proportion to the refractive index, but its frequency is determined solely by the periodic source and remains constant.

Key Concept

Invariance of Wave Frequency across Refracting Media
Rate this question

Topics

Wave Phenomena: Reflection, Refraction, Interference, Diffraction, and Polarization

More questions from this topic