This problem only has 1 value, so I don't really understand how it is possible to solve. Thanks for any help!

A particular color of light has a wavelength of 550 nm traveling in water. Calculate the wavelength in air.

I know the answer is 732 nm, but I don't get why.

Thanks for the help!

Question

This problem only has 1 value, so I don't really understand how it is possible to solve. Thanks for any help!

A particular color of light has a wavelength of 550 nm traveling in water. Calculate the wavelength in air.

I know the answer is 732 nm, but I don't get why.

Thanks for the help!

retireed · Answer

It has to do with the index index of refraction of light in air and water.  Google for a more in depth explanation.

The explanation usually is concerned about the speed of light in air and the "other medium", but apparently when dealing with wavelengths the time component cancels.

    n = c/v       n = index of refraction,  
                      c = speed of light in a vacuum, 
                      v= speed in the other medium  (like water)

anonymous · Answer

Thanks! I guessed that, but I'm unsure how to do it without knowing the index of refraction. Is there a certain way to do it that I'm not seeing? Once again, thanks! @retirEEd

retireed · Answer

You just need to look up the index of refraction of water, again use google, yahoo or bing to look it up.  If you have a newer iPhone use Siri.

anonymous · Answer

oh I see, thanks a lot! I appreciate it!