When light travels from medium X to medium Y as shown:
A) both the speed and the frequency decrease
B) both the speed and the frequency increase
C) both the speed and the wavelength decrease
D) both the speed and the wavelength increase
E) both the wavelength and the frequency are unchanged

Question

When light travels from medium X to medium Y as shown: 
A) both the speed and the frequency decrease 
B) both the speed and the frequency increase 
C) both the speed and the wavelength decrease 
D) both the speed and the wavelength increase 
E) both the wavelength and the frequency are unchanged

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When light travels from one medium to another, its speed and wavelength change. The speed of light in medium Y is lower than in medium X, causing the velocity of light to decrease, and the wavelength to decrease as well. The frequency is unaffected by the change in medium. Therefore, both the speed and the wavelength decrease, making option C the correct answer.

When Light Travels from Medium X to Medium Y as Shown