Why does red light travel faster than blue light in air?

Answer 1

Red light and blue light travel the same speed in a vacuum, however they travel different speeds when traveling through any medium other than a vacuum.

In most media, blue light has a higher index of refraction (usually denoted with the letter n) than red light. The higher the index of refraction, the slower the light goes compared to its speed in a vacuum. This relationship is governed by the following equation: v = c/n where v is the speed of light in a particular medium, n is the index of refraction of light in that medium and c is the speed of light in a vacuum. Since red has a smaller n than blue in most media, red travels faster then blue in most media.

The index of refraction is determined by solving Maxwell's equations for a particular frequency and a particular medium.

Answer 2

Red light and blue light travel the same speed in a vacuum, however they travel different speeds when traveling through any medium other than a vacuum.

In most media, blue light has a higher index of refraction (usually denoted with the letter n) than red light. The higher the index of refraction, the slower the light goes compared to its speed in a vacuum. This relationship is governed by the following equation: v = c/n where v is the speed of light in a particular medium, n is the index of refraction of light in that medium and c is the speed of light in a vacuum. Since red has a smaller n than blue in most media, red travels faster then blue in most media.

The index of refraction is determined by solving Maxwell's equations for a particular frequency and a particular medium.

Answer 3

Red light has a longer wavelength compared to blue light, which allows it to interact less with air molecules. This results in less scattering and slower absorption of red light by the air, allowing it to travel faster. Blue light, with its shorter wavelength, scatters more in the air, slowing its propagation speed.

Answer 4

In a normal dispersive medium, red light is farthest from the base of the prism and blue light is the closest. Red travels faster.

Answer 5

Air is not as obstructive to the lightbeams as water or glass, which bends the light.

Answer 6

All have the same speed.