A monochromatic light wave travels from glass into air - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 14 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 14
A monochromatic light wave travels from glass into air.
Which row shows what happens to the wavelength, speed and photon energy?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A monochromatic light wave travels from glass into air - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 14 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Wavelength
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Answer
When light transitions from a denser medium like glass to a less dense medium like air, the wavelength increases. This is because the speed of light increases in a less dense medium.
Step 2
Speed
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Answer
The speed of light increases when it goes from glass to air. In air, light travels faster than in glass due to the lower refractive index.
Step 3
Photon energy
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Answer
The photon energy remains constant during this transition. Photon energy is dependent on the frequency of light, which does not change when light moves between these two media.
