What is the Color of 250nm Light Passing Through a Material with n=1.6?

In summary, the 400 nm light ray has a speed of 3E8 m/s and a frequency of 7.5E14 Hz, making its color violet. When it passes into a material with n=1.6, its speed decreases to 187.5E6 m/s and its frequency becomes 750E12 Hz, with a wavelength of 250 nm. However, in this new medium, the color is no longer visible light and the options are ROYBV, with frequency being the determining factor for what is visible to the human eye.
  • #1
ArtVandelay
14
0

Homework Statement


A 400 nm light ray is traveling through a vacuum.
a.) Give the light’s speed, frequency and color.
speed = 3E8: Correct
frequency = 7.5E14: Correct
color = violet: Correct

b.) This light now passes into a material where n=1.6. Give the light’s speed, frequency, wavelength and color in this new medium.
speed = 187.5E6 m/s: Correct
frequency = 750E12 Hz: Correct
wavelength = 250 nm: Correct
color = no longer visible light: Your answer is incorrect.
I thought visible light only goes from 400nm to 700nm--What am I missing?

The other options are ROYBV
 
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  • #2
ArtVandelay said:

Homework Statement


A 400 nm light ray is traveling through a vacuum.
a.) Give the light’s speed, frequency and color.
speed = 3E8: Correct
frequency = 7.5E14: Correct
color = violet: Correct

b.) This light now passes into a material where n=1.6. Give the light’s speed, frequency, wavelength and color in this new medium.
speed = 187.5E6 m/s: Correct
frequency = 750E12 Hz: Correct
wavelength = 250 nm: Correct
color = no longer visible light: Your answer is incorrect.



I thought visible light only goes from 400nm to 700nm--What am I missing?

The other options are ROYBV

To your eye, what matters is frequency, not wavelength.
 
  • #3
Of course! Thank you!
 

Related to What is the Color of 250nm Light Passing Through a Material with n=1.6?

1. What is the color of a 250nm wave of light?

A 250nm wave of light is not visible to the human eye, so it does not have a specific color. It falls within the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum, which is invisible to us.

2. Can we see 250nm light?

No, we cannot see 250nm light because it is outside of the visible spectrum. However, some animals and insects, such as bees and birds, are able to see into the UV spectrum.

3. Is 250nm light harmful?

Yes, 250nm light is considered harmful to humans as it falls within the UV-C range, which is known to cause damage to our skin and eyes. It is important to wear protective gear when working with UV-C light.

4. What is the wavelength of 250nm light?

The wavelength of 250nm light is 250 nanometers, which is equivalent to 0.00000025 meters. This is a very short wavelength, which is why it falls within the UV spectrum.

5. How is 250nm light used in science?

250nm light is commonly used in scientific research, particularly in fields such as biology and chemistry. It is often used for sterilization purposes, as it has the ability to kill bacteria and other microorganisms. It is also used in UV spectroscopy to study the absorption and emission of certain molecules.

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