Is the Speed of Light a Function of Frequency or Wavelength?
Most recent answer: 04/01/2013
Q:
Can we change the speed of light in a vacumm by changing its wavelength or frequency??
I think it is not possible but I need a reasonable answer.
- Pranjal` (age 15)
India
- Pranjal` (age 15)
India
A:
In a perfect vacuum the answer is no. All laboratory experiments and astronomical observations have confirmed this. However, in a medium that has an index of refraction the answer is different. As you probably know the speed of light in a refractive medium is v = c/n where n is the index of refraction. Now n can be, and usually is, a function of the wavelength of the light. So in that case, the answer is yes.
LeeH
LeeH
(published on 04/01/2013)