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), depends?

Answer 1

Answer:

Speed of Wave Propagation :  It is defined as the velocity at which the wave travels. It is related to wavelength , frequency and period of propagation.

a) The nature of the source is that it does not depend on any of the factors listed according to the Einsteins theory.

b) The factors are:

i) The propagation does not depend upon the nature of the source.

ii) The direction does not affect the speed of propagation of wave.

iii) The speed of propagation depends on the motion of the observer related to the motion but does depend on the motion of the source with respect to the medium.

iv) It depends on the wavelength.

v)  It is independent of intensity of wave.