Question

the frequency of a wave does not change as it passes from one medium to another. what will most likely happen if a light wave moves from the air into a solid? the wavelength of the light wave will increase. the speed of the light wave will decrease. the wavelength of the light wave will remain the same. the speed of the light wave will remain the same.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the relationship between speed, frequency and wavelength

The formula for the speed of a wave is \(v = f\lambda\), where \(v\) is the speed, \(f\) is the frequency and \(\lambda\) is the wavelength.

Step2: Consider the properties of light in different media

When light moves from air (a less - dense medium) to a solid (a more - dense medium), the frequency \(f\) of the light wave remains constant (given in the problem statement).
The refractive index \(n\) of a medium is related to the speed of light \(v\) in the medium by \(n=\frac{c}{v}\), where \(c\) is the speed of light in vacuum. Since the refractive index of a solid is greater than that of air, the speed \(v\) of light in the solid is less than the speed of light in air.
From \(v = f\lambda\), if \(v\) decreases and \(f\) is constant, then \(\lambda=\frac{v}{f}\) will also decrease.

Answer:

The speed of the light wave will decrease.