In refraction, when light enters a denser medium and slows down, what happens to the wavelength?

Study for the Praxis Physics Exam with interactive questions and detailed explanations to enhance your understanding of physics concepts. Prepare for your exam efficiently!

Multiple Choice

In refraction, when light enters a denser medium and slows down, what happens to the wavelength?

Explanation:
The key idea is that wavelength in a medium depends on the light’s speed there, while frequency stays the same when light crosses a boundary. When light enters a denser medium, its speed decreases but the frequency remains unchanged. Since wavelength λ = v/f and f is constant, the slower speed means a shorter wavelength. So the wavelength decreases. (In a less dense medium, the speed and thus the wavelength would increase.)

The key idea is that wavelength in a medium depends on the light’s speed there, while frequency stays the same when light crosses a boundary. When light enters a denser medium, its speed decreases but the frequency remains unchanged. Since wavelength λ = v/f and f is constant, the slower speed means a shorter wavelength. So the wavelength decreases. (In a less dense medium, the speed and thus the wavelength would increase.)

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