What happens to the wavelength of light as it enters a denser medium?

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What happens to the wavelength of light as it enters a denser medium?

When light enters a denser medium, such as from air into water or glass, its speed decreases due to the properties of the medium. Since the frequency of light remains constant when transitioning between different media, the decrease in speed must result in a change in wavelength. According to the relationship that connects the speed of light (c), frequency (f), and wavelength (λ) given by the equation \( c = f \cdot \lambda \), when the speed decreases and frequency remains constant, the wavelength must decrease. This phenomenon is part of the broader principles of optics, which explain how light behaves when it transitions between different materials. Hence, as light enters a denser medium, the wavelength decreases, leading to this being the correct choice.

When light enters a denser medium, such as from air into water or glass, its speed decreases due to the properties of the medium. Since the frequency of light remains constant when transitioning between different media, the decrease in speed must result in a change in wavelength.

According to the relationship that connects the speed of light (c), frequency (f), and wavelength (λ) given by the equation ( c = f \cdot \lambda ), when the speed decreases and frequency remains constant, the wavelength must decrease.

This phenomenon is part of the broader principles of optics, which explain how light behaves when it transitions between different materials. Hence, as light enters a denser medium, the wavelength decreases, leading to this being the correct choice.

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