Quick physics question

Yes it does. The speed of light is different depending on the medium. So the wavelength changes too.

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Original post by Raduprv Yes it does. The speed of light is different depending on the medium. So the wavelength changes too.

Thanks much!

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Original post by tHiSiSbOb Does the wavelength of light change when it enters new materials?? I thought no but someone is telling me yes...Which is it?

Well, it depends on how you define "enter a new material". If a photon traverses a material without hitting anything of its molecular structure, then no, the wavelength won't change, because there was no interaction (excluding quantum effects). If the photon hits an atom or molecule, being scattered, then the wavelength (ie. energy) will change. Don't confuse this with wavelength dependent absorption, which doesn't directly affect the incoming wavelength, but "filters" it instead.

And then, there's still photon induced excitation, but this is more a combination of absorption and reemission.

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Original post by tHiSiSbOb Does the wavelength of light change when it enters new materials?? I thought no but someone is telling me yes...Which is it?

Refraction

"At the boundary between the media the wave changes direction; its wavelength increases or decreases but frequency remains constant. "

CM