Can the wavelength of light change?

Question

John Alexander · Accepted Answer

Yes! When it goes from one medium to another its wavelength and speed will change.

The speed (#v#), wavelength (#\lambda#) and frequency (#f#) of sinusoidal waves are related to each other as : #v=f.\lambda# Since the speed of electromagnetic waves (EM waves) is dependent on the electric and magnetic properties of the medium, light is a sinusoidal electromagnetic wave to which the above relation applies. When light moves from one medium to another, its speed changes as a result of the medium's changing electric and magnetic properties. Because electromagnetic waves' frequency is solely dependent on their source, it is constant and unchangeable. Consequently, if the speed of an object changes, the wavelength must also change in proportion to maintain the frequency's constancy. Light moves more slowly through denser media (like water) than it does through rarer ones (like air), which means that in order to maintain the same frequency, the light's wavelength must also decrease.

Hazel Asher · Answer

undefined Yes, the wavelength of light can change when it travels from one medium to another, such as from air to water or from air to glass. This phenomenon is known as refraction. Additionally, the wavelength of light can also change due to the Doppler effect when the source of light or the observer is in motion relative to each other.