18
QuizMultiple Choice

Properties of Light — Unit test

Question 18 • FL-2003310-Physical Science - Teacher Directed Resource

The frequency of a wave does not change as it passes from one medium to another.What will most likely happen if a light wave moves from the air into a solid?

Answer
A
The wavelength of the light wave will increase.
B
The speed of the light wave will decrease.
C
The wavelength of the light wave will remain the same.
D
The speed of the light wave will remain the same.

Explanation

When light enters a solid from air, it usually travels more slowly because solids have a higher refractive index. Its frequency stays constant, and since wavelength equals speed divided by frequency, its wavelength decreases too. Therefore, the speed of the light wave will decrease.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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