Wavelength increases, speed decreases and frequency remains constant
Wavelength and speed decreases but frequency remains constant
wavelength, speed and frequency increases
Show Solution
The Correct Option isC
Solution and Explanation
To understand what happens when a wave moves from one medium to another, we need to look at the principles of wave refraction, particularly as light moves from a less dense to a denser medium. Key properties like speed, wavelength, and frequency can change due to this transition.
Wave Speed: When a wave moves into a denser medium, its speed decreases. The relationship for speed \(v\) in a medium is given by:
v = \frac{c}{n}
where c is the speed of light in a vacuum, and n is the refractive index. A higher refractive index means a denser medium, resulting in a decreased wave speed.
Frequency: The frequency of a wave remains constant regardless of the medium it travels through. This is because frequency depends on the source of the wave, not on the medium.
Wavelength: Since speed decreases and frequency remains constant, the wavelength must decrease. This follows the relationship:
\lambda = \frac{v}{f}
where \lambda is the wavelength, v is the speed, and f is the frequency. A decrease in speed with constant frequency results in a decrease in wavelength.
Based on these principles, the correct statement is:
Wavelength and speed decrease, but frequency remains constant.
Let's briefly review the options:
Wavelength, speed, and frequency decreases: This is incorrect because the frequency remains constant.
Wavelength increases, speed decreases, and frequency remains constant: This is incorrect as the wavelength decreases, not increases.
Wavelength and speed decreases but frequency remains constant: This is correct as frequency remains constant while both speed and wavelength decrease.
Wavelength, speed, and frequency increases: This is incorrect as both speed and wavelength decrease and frequency does not change.
Thus, the correct answer is that wavelength and speed decrease, but frequency remains constant when a wave gets refracted into a denser medium.
