Question

Two rays of light have different colors (blue and green), and both are equally bright compared to the other. Indicate whether each property is the same or different when describing the speed, and indicate whether the property is larger for blue or green.

1) The speed is the same for both blue and green rays of light.
2) The speed is different for blue and green rays of light.
3) The speed is larger for the blue ray of light.
4) The speed is larger for the green ray of light.

Answer 1

The speed of light is constant for all colors of light in a vacuum; therefore, the blue and green rays of light have the same speed. Color differences are due to variations in frequency and wavelength, not speed.

Step-by-step explanation:

The speed of light in a vacuum is a fundamental constant and is the same for all colors of light. Both blue and green rays travel at the speed of light, which is approximately 3 × 108 meters per second. The color of light is not determined by its speed, but rather by its frequency and wavelength. Blue light has a shorter wavelength and higher frequency than green light. When light passes from one medium to another, its speed changes depending on the medium's index of refraction. However, within the same medium (like a vacuum or air at standard conditions), all colors of light travel at the same speed.