A monochromatic ray of light passes from air to glass. The wavelength of light in air is λ, the speed of light in air is c and in glass is v. If the refractive index of glass is 1.5, write down (a) the relationship between c and v, (b) the wavelength of light in the glass.
A monochromatic ray of light passes from air to glass. The wavelength of light in air is λ, the speed of light in air is c and in glass is v. If the refractive index of glass is 1.5, write down (a) the relationship between c and v, (b) the wavelength of light in the glass.

Solution:

(a) Expression of the relation between the speed of light (c) in the air and in glass (v) is as follows –

μ = c / v

or we can write

c = 1.5 v

(b) Let the wavelength of light in glass be given by λ1

Then, using the expression =>

μ = λ / λ1

Therefore, wavelength of light in glass λ1 = λ / 1.5