The path taken by a ray of light does not directly depend on its frequency or wavelength. The frequency and wavelength of light determine its properties, such as its color and energy, but they do not affect the path the light ray follows in a uniform medium.
In a homogeneous medium, such as air or vacuum, light rays travel in straight lines unless they encounter an interface between different media or experience scattering or diffraction effects. The path of a light ray is determined by the laws of geometrical optics, specifically the principle of rectilinear propagation, which states that light travels in straight lines in a homogeneous medium.
The frequency and wavelength of light affect how it interacts with various materials and structures. For example, when light passes from one medium to another with a different refractive index, such as from air to glass, the change in the speed of light causes the ray to change direction at the interface. This phenomenon is known as refraction. The angle of refraction depends on the refractive indices of the two media and the incident angle of the light ray.
Additionally, light can be scattered or diffracted by small particles or obstacles in its path. These effects are influenced by the wavelength of light. For example, shorter wavelengths, such as those in the ultraviolet or X-ray range, tend to scatter more easily than longer wavelengths, such as those in the visible or radio wave range.
In summary, while frequency and wavelength play important roles in determining the properties and behavior of light, such as its color and interactions with materials, they do not directly dictate the path of a light ray in a homogeneous medium. The path of a light ray is primarily governed by the principle of rectilinear propagation in geometrical optics.