The Speed of Light: Traveling Through Different Substances - Essay Sample

Introduction

A rainbow is a display of colors of the spectrum resulting from the dispersion of white light. It is formed due to the refraction and dispersion of white light from the sun by rain or other water droplets present in the atmosphere. The seven colors commonly seen are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.

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Effect of Light Speed as It Travels Through Different Substances

Light travels through various mediums such as solids, water, and air. The speed of light from one medium to another is proportional to the refractive index of the medium in which it travels. The speed and wavelength of light are reduced as it passes through a medium with a higher refractive index such as glass while it increases as light passes through a medium with a lower refractive index such as water. Substances have a different refractive index and hence the difference in the level of refraction of light from one substance to another.

The Relation Between White Light to the Colors of the Rainbow

One can only be in a position to see a rainbow when there are water droplets (rain) in front, and the sun is in the opposite direction behind the person. The raindrops reflect some light from the sun to the people. As the white light from the sun hits the surface of the raindrop, it also gets split into different wavelengths, which result in the seven colors of the spectrum seen in the form of the rainbow. The colors of the rainbow comprise of the entire white light-color spectrum. However, the distinctive bands normally seen are a result of the people's visual system.

Speed of the Colors of a Rainbow as They Pass Through Different Substances

The seven colors of the spectrum separate because white light is made up of waves and photons which do not travel coherently. The wavelength for the red light is longer than that for violet light hence resulting in the higher refractive index for the red light in glass and the slightly lower refractive index for violet light in a glass. As the red light passes through the glass, its refractive index is 1.513, while that of violet light as it passes through glass is 1.532. The difference makes it possible for shorter wavelengths of light to undergo more refraction. Similarly, violet light is refracted at a slightly greater angle because its speed is lower than that of the red light.

Bending of White Light Versus Bending of Light From the Red Laser Upon Entering Different Substances

White light comprises of different colors of the spectrum. The colors are of different frequencies and wavelengths hence the difference in speed as white light travels through various substances. The colors with lower speed bend more sharply as they travel from one medium to another. On the other hand, colors with higher speed bend less sharply when traveling from one medium to another. When white light passes through the glass, it is possible to separate its component colors according to their frequencies. The light from the red laser is made of photons moving in the same direction and speed. The Light is, therefore, coherent and can travel for longer distances across different substances without spreading out. Also, the red light from a laser has only one wavelength. Due to the high speed of red light from the laser, it will bend less as it travels from one medium to another.