Question

Sam performed an experiment in which four electromagnetic waves were sent from air into a different medium. The initial wavelength and the wavelength of each wave in the new material is recorded in the table.

Wave Initial Wavelength (nm) Final Wavelength (nm)
W 450 483
X 562 507
Y 601 613
Z 727 693

Select all of the waves that were sent through a medium denser than air.
A.
W


B.
X


C.
Y


D.
Z

Answer 1

To determine which waves were sent through a medium denser than air, we need to consider how wavelength is affected when light enters a denser medium. When electromagnetic waves pass from a less dense medium (like air) to a denser medium, their speed decreases and their wavelength shortens.

1. **Wave W:**
- Initial Wavelength: 450 nm
- Final Wavelength: 483 nm
- Since the final wavelength (483 nm) is longer than the initial wavelength (450 nm), it indicates that the wave went into a less dense medium.

2. **Wave X:**
- Initial Wavelength: 562 nm
- Final Wavelength: 507 nm
- Since the final wavelength (507 nm) is shorter than the initial wavelength (562 nm), this indicates that the wave went into a denser medium.

3. **Wave Y:**
- Initial Wavelength: 601 nm
- Final Wavelength: 613 nm
- Since the final wavelength (613 nm) is longer than the initial wavelength (601 nm), this indicates that the wave went into a less dense medium.

4. **Wave Z:**
- Initial Wavelength: 727 nm
- Final Wavelength: 693 nm
- Since the final wavelength (693 nm) is shorter than the initial wavelength (727 nm), this indicates that the wave went into a denser medium.

Based on this analysis, the waves that were sent through a medium denser than air are:

**B. X**
**D. Z**