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Light Wave Equations:
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The light wave equations describe the fundamental relationships between wavelength (λ), frequency (f), period (T), and the speed of light (c). These equations are essential in physics, optics, and telecommunications for understanding electromagnetic wave behavior.
The calculator uses these fundamental equations:
Where:
Explanation: These equations show that wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional, with the speed of light as the constant of proportionality.
Details: Understanding these relationships is crucial for designing optical systems, telecommunications networks, spectroscopy equipment, and many technologies that rely on electromagnetic waves.
Tips: Enter any two known values, and the calculator will compute the remaining values. The speed of light defaults to 3×10⁸ m/s but can be adjusted if needed for different media.
Q1: Why is the speed of light constant?
A: According to Einstein's theory of relativity, the speed of light in a vacuum is constant (approximately 3×10⁸ m/s) and is the maximum speed at which all energy, matter, and information can travel.
Q2: How does wavelength relate to color?
A: In visible light, different wavelengths correspond to different colors. Violet light has the shortest wavelengths (about 380-450 nm), while red light has the longest (about 620-750 nm).
Q3: What is the relationship between frequency and energy?
A: According to Planck's equation (E = hf), the energy of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency, where h is Planck's constant.
Q4: Does light slow down in different materials?
A: Yes, light travels slower in materials other than vacuum. The ratio of the speed of light in vacuum to its speed in a material is called the refractive index of that material.
Q5: What are typical units for light measurements?
A: Wavelength is often measured in meters, nanometers (10⁻⁹ m), or angstroms (10⁻¹⁰ m). Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz), and period in seconds.