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Wavelength Formula:
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The wavelength formula calculates the distance between consecutive crests of a wave. For light waves, it relates the wavelength to the speed of light and frequency using the equation: λ = c / f, where λ is wavelength, c is the speed of light, and f is frequency.
The calculator uses the wavelength formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula shows that wavelength is inversely proportional to frequency - higher frequency light has shorter wavelengths, and vice versa.
Details: Calculating wavelength is essential in optics, telecommunications, spectroscopy, and understanding the electromagnetic spectrum. Different wavelengths correspond to different colors of visible light and various types of electromagnetic radiation.
Tips: Enter frequency in Hertz (Hz) and speed of light in meters per second (m/s). The default speed of light is set to 300,000,000 m/s (3×10⁸ m/s). All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What is the speed of light in vacuum?
A: The speed of light in vacuum is exactly 299,792,458 meters per second, often approximated as 3×10⁸ m/s for calculations.
Q2: How does wavelength relate to color?
A: In visible light, different wavelengths correspond to different colors: violet (~380-450 nm), blue (~450-495 nm), green (~495-570 nm), yellow (~570-590 nm), orange (~590-620 nm), and red (~620-750 nm).
Q3: What is the typical frequency range for visible light?
A: Visible light frequencies range from approximately 430 THz (red) to 750 THz (violet).
Q4: Does wavelength change in different media?
A: Yes, when light enters a different medium, its wavelength changes due to the change in speed, though the frequency remains constant.
Q5: What are common units for light wavelength?
A: Common units include meters (m), nanometers (nm, 10⁻⁹ m), and angstroms (Å, 10⁻¹⁰ m). Visible light is typically measured in nanometers.