Chapter 5, Problem 105A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The change in wavelength of light when it travels from air to water needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

The relation between wavelength of light, its speed and frequency is as follows:

$\lambda =\frac{c}{\nu }$

Here, c is speed of the light, $\lambda$ is wavelength of liquid and $\nu$ is frequency of light.

Answer to Problem 105A

The wavelength increases when the light travels from air to water.

Explanation of Solution

Speed of the light is greater in air as compared to the speed of the light in water when the light travels from air to water. When the light enters water, it gets influenced under to the electromagnetic field that interrupts the speed at which the light travels. Hence, the wavelength increases when the light travels from air to water.

The relation between wavelength of light, its speed and frequency is as follows:

$\lambda =\frac{c}{\nu }$

Here, c is speed of the light, $\lambda$ is wavelength of liquid and $\nu$ is frequency of light.

From the above relation, wavelength is directly proportional to the speed of light at constant frequency.

Conclusion

The wavelength increases when the light travels from air to water.