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What happens to the speed of light waves when they travel through a medium?
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
The speed of light in a material medium is slower than the speed of light in a vacuum. This is a consequence of the electromagnetic wave interacting with the atoms and molecules in the medium, a process merits its own question.
Of course, this assumes the medium is transparent for the wavelength of light travelling through it.
Light waves slow down when they pass through a medium, eg glass or water
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
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Does waves need a medium to travel through?
No. Electromagnetic waves travel through vacuum ( ie space where there is nothing)
How do electromagnetic waves travel through a medium?
electromagnetic waves generally don't require a medium to travel. the most commonly visible example is "light" which may be either sun's light, light from a bulb or any other source. they travel as transverse waves.
Why does light travel more quickly through solids than through gasses?
Light generally doesn't travel faster through solids than through gases. Sound does, but not light.
Is it true that different kinds of E-M waves travel through space at different speeds?
No. All E-M waves travel through space at the same speed, known as the"Speed of Light".
When electricity pass through the bulb what happens to the filament?
It gets heated up and glows spreading the light
Does light need a medium through which to travel?
No, it does not. It can travel through any open space. Sound, unlike light, needs a medium to travel. So light can travel through outer space but sound cannot because there is no medium.
Is vacuum a medium of light?
Light can travel through vacuum, but it is not a medium.
Does light have a medium to travel through?
No, apart from "spacetime". But it CAN travel through a medium such as air or glass.
When does total internal refraction happen?
Total internal refraction happens when a light ray travel from a lighter medium to a denser medium. Ex. A light ray passing through a Prism.
When is the only time that light waves travel at thespeedof light?
Light waves ALWAYS travel at the "Speed of Light"....based on the medium that the waves are traveling through. It just so happens that they go the FASTEST in a VACUUM.
Can light wave travel through air?
Yes ,....... light wave can travel through the air ... the light wave does not require any medium.
When the light passes through the second medium what happens to the wave that causes the light to bend?
When light passes through a second medium with different refractive index as the first medium, its velocity will decrease or increase depending on its wavelength and the difference in refractive index of the two media. This causes the 'bending' of light as each of its components try to travel through the second medium at different velocities.
How does light travel through AVACUUM?
Light waves do not need a medium to propagate. Sound waves cannot travel without a medium. Light waves always travel at the speed of light that is 3*108m/s.
What happens when light passes through one medium to another?
the light bends
A wave that travels through a medium?
We know that a mechanical wave requires a medium through which to travel. The source puts the energy into the medium, and it propagates. A sound wave is a good example of this, and we can contrast it with an electromagnetic wave (like light). Light can travel through a vacuum; it doesn't require a medium for its propagation.
What does sound have to travel through?
Sound and vibration are both mechanical vibrations of a medium, and thus demand a medium for their travel. Note- they vibrate the medium - they are not independent of the medium as is light.
What happens when light scatters?
It is redirected as it passes through a medium.
