Question:
Let us list some of the factors, which could possibly influence the speed of wave propagation: (i) nature of the source. (ii) direction of propagation. (iii) motion of the source and/or observer. (iv) wavelength. (v) intensity of the wave. On which of these factors, if any, does (a) the speed of light in vacuum, (b) the speed of light in a medium (say, glass or Water), depend?
Answer:
(a) The speed of light in a vacuum i.e. 3 x 108 m/s is a universal constant. It is not affected by the motion of the source, the observer, or both. Hence, the given factor does not affect the speed of light in a vacuum.
(b) Out of the listed factors, the speed of light in a medium depends on the wavelength of light in that medium.
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