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 changes because different media have different refractive indices. The wavelength also changes because the speed of light is proportional to its wavelength. As the speed decreases, the wavelength decreases too. However, the frequency of the light remains constant because it is determined by the source that emits the light. Therefore, choice C is the correct answer.

When Light Travels from Medium X to Medium Y as Shown