A flaw in the wavelenght/frequency formula? FTW?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter potmobius
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Formula
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between wavelength and frequency in the context of the electromagnetic spectrum, specifically addressing the formula c = λf, where c is the speed of light, λ is wavelength, and f is frequency. A participant initially misinterpreted the formula as c = λ/f, leading to confusion about the constancy of c. The correct interpretation confirms that as wavelength increases, frequency decreases, maintaining the constancy of the speed of light across the spectrum.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum
  • Familiarity with the speed of light (c)
  • Basic knowledge of wave properties (wavelength and frequency)
  • Ability to interpret mathematical relationships in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the electromagnetic spectrum and its properties
  • Learn about wave-particle duality in physics
  • Explore the implications of the speed of light in different media
  • Investigate the mathematical derivation of wave equations
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of wave mechanics and the electromagnetic spectrum.

potmobius
Messages
48
Reaction score
0
a flaw in the wavelength/frequency formula?? FTW?

c equals lambda/frequency, and c is a constant.

SO. In order for c to remain constant, as lambda increases, frequency should also increase, and vice versa. But that doesn't happen in the electromagnetic spectrum. The EM spectrum shows that as wavelength increases, frequency decreases (as we go from UV to IR) and vice versa. Then how does c remain constant, and does the equation remain valid?
 
Physics news on Phys.org


potmobius said:
c equals lambda/frequency, and c is a constant.
That's incorrect. The correct relationship is: c = λf (not c = λ/f).
 


lol! I feel so stupid right now! hahahaha. I knew it would be something obvious, because I wasnt thinking straight when I posted this :P
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
6K
  • · Replies 68 ·
3
Replies
68
Views
5K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
10
Views
3K