Refraction and amplitude

When light enters water its amplitude changes. Why?

3 Answers

337
Sayan Sinha ·

I think it is because a part of the light gets reflected when it enters water. Therefore its intensity after refraction is less than the original ray, and hence its amplitude.

Am I right? Please correct me if I am wrong.

Thanx...

337
Sayan Sinha ·

Another logic can be that wavelength of light decreases in water. In order to maintain its time period, it increases its amplitude. But, in that case, I think the intensity should increase. All these logics are coming from my own thought. Therefore, what's the correct reason?

Here's a pic I have made to explain it:

Thanx...

1
Agnish Choudhury ·

if intensity increases, shouldn't energy increase too..?? N isn't energy constant....???

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