The of light can change when light is refracted because the velocity – [Free] B61
The ___ of light can change when light is refracted because the velocity changes. a. frequency b. wavelength c. medium d. transparency
🌈 Property of Light that Changes During Refraction
Question
Options:
- a. frequency
- b. wavelength
- c. medium
- d. transparency
Answer
✅ When light enters a different medium, its speed (velocity) changes due to the optical density of the new medium. However, the frequency of the light remains constant because it is determined by the source and does not depend on the medium.
From the wave equation:
where:
- v = speed of light in the medium
- f = frequency of light (constant)
- λ = wavelength of light
Since v changes and f remains constant, the wavelength must also change to satisfy the equation. Therefore, the wavelength is the property of light that changes when it is refracted.
💡 In summary, during refraction, the velocity of light decreases (or increases) depending on the medium, and this results in a proportional change in the wavelength.
Final Answer: b. wavelength