Exciting Discovery: Wavelength of Helium-Neon Laser Beam Unveiled!

What is the wavelength of a helium-neon laser beam in a mysterious liquid?

Using a helium-neon laser with a wavelength of 633 nm in air, we need to determine the wavelength of the laser beam in the unknown liquid after traveling through 28.0 cm of it. What is the wavelength in the liquid?

Answer:

The wavelength of the helium-neon laser in the unknown liquid would be approximately 398 nm.

The excitement is palpable as we delve into the world of light and its interactions with different mediums. In this intriguing scenario, we are presented with a helium-neon laser beam with a known wavelength in air of 633 nm.

As the laser beam traverses through the unknown liquid, covering a distance of 28.0 cm within a time span of 1.48 ns, we are tasked with unraveling the wavelength of the laser beam in the liquid.

To crack this enigma, we first calculate the speed of light in the medium by using the equation v = d/t, where d is the distance traveled (28.0 cm = 0.28 m) and t is the time taken (1.48 ns = 1.48 × 10^-9 s). Through this calculation, we determine the speed of light in the mysterious liquid to be approximately 1.89 × 10^8 m/s.

Subsequently, we ascertain the index of refraction of the liquid, denoted as n, by applying the formula n = c/v, where c is the speed of light in a vacuum (3 × 10^8 m/s). After the computation, we ascertain the index of refraction of the liquid to be approximately 1.59.

When light traverses into a different medium, such as the mysterious liquid in this scenario, its wavelength undergoes alteration in accordance with the medium's index of refraction. The modified wavelength, λliquid, is determined by dividing the wavelength in air, λair, by the index of refraction of the liquid (λliquid = λair / n).

As a result of this calculation, we unveil the wavelength of the helium-neon laser beam in the unknown liquid to be approximately 398 nm. This delightful revelation sheds light on the intriguing interplay between light and different mediums, offering a glimpse into the captivating realm of optics.

Curious to explore more about how the wavelength of light transforms in distinct mediums? Dive deeper into the fascinating world of optics and refraction to expand your knowledge!