
When light is refracted into a denser medium,
(A) its wavelength and frequency both increase
(B) its wavelength increases but the frequency remain unchanged
(C) its wavelength decreases but the frequency remain unchanged
(D) its wavelength and frequency both decrease
Answer
490.2k+ views
1 likes
Hint: When the light moves from the rarer medium to the denser medium, the refractive index will be greater than 1. From this, a new relation is obtained. The frequency of the wave depends upon its nature not medium but wavelength depends upon the medium in which the wave propagates.
Formula used: The formula of the velocity of the light is given by
Where is the velocity of the light, is the wavelength of the light and is the frequency of the light.
Complete answer: It is known that the velocity of the light decreases when the light moves from the rarer medium to the denser medium. The rarer medium is the medium that is made up of the less dense medium. The rarer medium is the medium that is made up of the denser medium.
Substituting the formula of the velocity in the above step, we get
………………………….(1)
It is known that the frequency of the wave depends on the nature of the wave and it is independent of the moving medium. For both the denser and the rarer medium, the value of the frequency remains the same.
So
Substitute the above value in the equation (1)
The above step shows that when the light moves from the rarer medium to the denser medium, the wavelength decreases.
Thus the option (C) is correct.
Note: Frequency is the occurrence of the wave again and again and it depends on the material in which it is made of. If the frequency of the wave is greater than the velocity of it will also be greater. The waves with different frequencies will have the same frequency.
Formula used: The formula of the velocity of the light is given by
Where
Complete answer: It is known that the velocity of the light decreases when the light moves from the rarer medium to the denser medium. The rarer medium is the medium that is made up of the less dense medium. The rarer medium is the medium that is made up of the denser medium.
Substituting the formula of the velocity in the above step, we get
It is known that the frequency of the wave depends on the nature of the wave and it is independent of the moving medium. For both the denser and the rarer medium, the value of the frequency remains the same.
So
Substitute the above value in the equation (1)
The above step shows that when the light moves from the rarer medium to the denser medium, the wavelength decreases.
Thus the option (C) is correct.
Note: Frequency is the occurrence of the wave again and again and it depends on the material in which it is made of. If the frequency of the wave is greater than the velocity of it will also be greater. The waves with different frequencies will have the same frequency.
Latest Vedantu courses for you
Grade 8 | CBSE | SCHOOL | English
Vedantu 8 CBSE Pro Course - (2025-26)
School Full course for CBSE students
₹45,300 per year
Recently Updated Pages
Master Class 12 Business Studies: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 English: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 Economics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 Social Science: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 Maths: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 Chemistry: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Trending doubts
Which one of the following is a true fish A Jellyfish class 12 biology CBSE

Which are the Top 10 Largest Countries of the World?

Why is insulin not administered orally to a diabetic class 12 biology CBSE

a Tabulate the differences in the characteristics of class 12 chemistry CBSE

Why is the cell called the structural and functional class 12 biology CBSE

Differentiate between homogeneous and heterogeneous class 12 chemistry CBSE
