we know that after light passes through a higher density matter(e.g prism) its speeds reduced and causes a phenomena what we referred to as refraction. However, after it has passed the matter light is able to retain its normal speed again. So, how come light is able to return to its normal speed after losing its speed while passing through the matter?
2007-01-04 14:47:09 · 7 answers · asked by anjoi_05 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
when it is is the prism it is passing through a dense object, preventing its velocity
once it escapes the prism, it is once again able to gain speed
much like an object falling, when it hits an object it slows, but after it continues to fall at 1mph per ft per second
2007-01-04 14:53:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
The speed of the light is not reduced by the prism. The speed of light is constant except in some lab experiments. What happens the lightwaves are seperated according to their frequency. It is like a mirror the light is not slowed down it just changes directions. And that is what happens in the prism the light is relfected in different directions.
And nothing in this universe can change its speed without have some outside force acting on it. Things don't magically jump from one speed to another. Have you ever driven a car at 35 mph and then suddenly for no reason you were going 65. It doesn't happen. I don't know what education level you are at but a college class in modern physics (general realtivity) would help you out.
In response to the other answer:
Asteroids in space don't just increase speed either. Newtons Law
An object in motion will remain at constant motion until acted upon by another force.
The most common way for an asteroid's speed to be altered is the gravity from a nearby object.
2007-01-04 15:02:46 · answer #2 · answered by Michael_B_C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a very complex question that requires probably a college professor to answer accurately but I'll give a suggestion to help you come to the answer:
I don't think the light slows down, refraction just causes the light to change direction, therefore there is no change in speed.
2007-01-04 14:52:32 · answer #3 · answered by theonlyrealj 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
im only a freshman in high school but have read a few physics books and gained some knowledge so im guessing that and object that slows down but does not come to a complete stop eventually starts picking up speed again like a astriod traveling threw space as time goes on it moves faster and faster and faster
Hope that helps
2007-01-04 14:50:55 · answer #4 · answered by Concorde 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Light being massless, always moves at its maximum speed, interacting with the universe. In materials other than a vacuum, its maximum speed is lower. Upon leaving, it returns to the higher speed.
2007-01-04 14:52:35 · answer #5 · answered by Mike1942f 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
After it's passed through the prism, there's nothing to impede its speed.
2007-01-04 14:52:52 · answer #6 · answered by Dr Know It All 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what
2007-01-04 14:51:02 · answer #7 · answered by shipmatenc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋