Question

The diagram below shows the path taken by a monochromatic light ray traveling through three media. The symbols v₁, λ₁, and f₁ represent the speed, wavelength, and frequency of the light in Medium 1, respectively. Which of the following relationships for the light in the three media is true?

(A) λ₁ < λ₁ < λ₁ 

(B) v₂ < v₃ < v₁

(C) f₂ < f₁ < f₃

(D) v₃ < v₁ < v₂

(E) λ₂ < λ₁ < λ₃

Answer 1

The correct option is: (E) λ₂ < λ₁ < λ₃

Explanation:

More–Less dense bend away, Less–More dense bend towards. The more the bend, the bigger the difference in n’s … this shows n₂ > n₁ > n₃. More n means less speed, so v₃ > v₁ > v₂ but this is not a choice. Speed goes with wavelength, the larger the speed the more the λ, so λ₃ > λ₁ > λ₂