1. What is Wavenumber?

Definition: Wavenumber (k) is the spatial frequency of a wave, representing the number of wavelengths per unit distance.

Purpose: It's commonly used in physics and spectroscopy to describe wave properties in terms of spatial measurements.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( k \) — Wavenumber (reciprocal meters, 1/m)
• \( \lambda \) — Wavelength (meters)

Explanation: The wavenumber is simply the reciprocal of the wavelength, representing how many wave cycles exist in one meter.

3. Importance of Wavenumber Calculation

Details: Wavenumber is particularly useful in spectroscopy as it's directly proportional to energy, and it remains constant regardless of the medium (unlike wavelength).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the wavelength in meters. The value must be greater than 0. For very small wavelengths (like light waves), scientific notation may be helpful.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between wavenumber and frequency?
A: Frequency is temporal (cycles per second), while wavenumber is spatial (cycles per meter).

Q2: What are typical wavenumber values?
A: For visible light (λ ≈ 500 nm), k ≈ 2,000,000 1/m. For radio waves (λ ≈ 1 m), k ≈ 1 1/m.

Q3: What's angular wavenumber?
A: Angular wavenumber (k = 2π/λ) includes the 2π factor and is measured in radians per meter.

Q4: Why use wavenumber instead of wavelength?
A: Wavenumber is directly proportional to energy (E = hck), making it more convenient for spectroscopic analysis.

Q5: How does medium affect wavenumber?
A: In different media, wavelength changes but wavenumber remains constant for a given energy.