View Full Version : Physics wavelength
aviles
Apr 30, 2009, 07:23 PM
What is the frequency of an electromagnetic wave if it has a wavelength of 1km (1000m)?
Perito
May 1, 2009, 04:38 AM
The relationship between the wavelength of light, λ, and the frequency, ν, is
c = \lambda \nu
where c is the speed of light
c \approx 3 \times 10^8\,\frac {meters}{sec}
c = 299 792 458 \,\frac {meters}{sec}
Make sure you use the proper units.
Unknown008
May 2, 2009, 09:13 AM
I prefer using the 'traditional' formula v=f\lambda, keeping in mind that electromagnetic waves have the speed of light. :rolleyes:
Capuchin
May 2, 2009, 09:54 AM
Jerry, an interesting aside, the speed of light is defined as that, i.e. our definition of meter has been tweaked so that the speed of light is exactly 299792458 m/s
Unknown008
May 2, 2009, 10:00 AM
Oh, I see! Thanks Cap! :)
Unknown008
May 2, 2009, 11:56 AM
Perito agrees: You say "f", I say "nu"... "traditional?" I thought Nu Lambda was traditional!
Okay, I don't know, but that's how I was taught at school, everything concerning those types of numbers through v=f 'lambda' :p