What happens when a wave changes medium?

Answer 1

On passing from one medium to another, the frequency of any wave stays constant. The wavelength changes such that the new wavelength equals the old wavelength multiplied by the old refractive index divided by the new refractive index.

Lnew = Lold x (Nold/Nnew)

Where L is the wavelength and N is the refractive index.

The refractive index is a property related to wave velocity, which will vary in different mediums.

Answer 2

For this question, you'll need to explain what type of wave.

In every situation, wave energy is either reflected, refracted, or diffused. If not, it is converted to some form of energy. For example, a wave can displace a rubber duck up and down. When they hit shore, they either reflect back (causing standing waves) or create vibration.

Answer 3

It is very important to note down the point that the frequency of the wave will not change due to different medium. Frequency remains the same irrespective of the medium. But only the velocity changes in different media and so the wavelength would change as it enters in a new medium

Answer 4

No. The frequency does not depend on the medium. Even the wavelength of the sound waves changes, the speed of the sound waves also changes. Thanks to universal wave equation speed=frequency times wavelength, the frequency of a sound wave is always constant and the speed and wavelength will change to keep it constant.

Answer 5

The wave will slow down in a softer medium and speed up in a solider medium.

Answer 6

When a wave enters a different medium, its frequency remains unchanged,

but its speed and therefore its wavelength both change.

Answer 7

If the speed of light in the second medium is lower, the wavelength increases.

If the speed of light in the second medium is higher, the wavelength decreases.

Answer 8

The velocity of the wave and the wavelength.

Answer 9

Stays the same