Solve Inductance for 550nm EM Waves w/17pF Capacitor

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the inductance required for a 17 pF capacitor in an oscillator that generates electromagnetic waves with a wavelength of 550 nm. The original poster expresses uncertainty about their answer and the meaning of the prefix 'p' in the context of capacitance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to rearrange the formula for frequency in relation to inductance and capacitance. They also seek clarification on the meaning of 'pico' in relation to capacitance.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided feedback on the algebraic manipulation of the equations, indicating that the calculations appear correct. However, there remains uncertainty regarding the physical implications of the resulting inductance value.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is working within the constraints of a homework assignment and is seeking verification of their calculations without receiving direct solutions. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of the calculated inductance value.

z_sharp
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Hi all, I've managed to solve the following question but the answer I'm getting doesn't seem right...

What inductance must be connected to a 17 pF capacitor in an oscillator capable of generating 550 nm (i.e. visible) electromagnetic waves? Comment on your answer.

To solve it I just rearranged the following equation and isolated L

[tex]f=\frac{1}{2\pi\sqrt{LC}}[/tex]

I'm also not sure what the prefix 'p' in the 17pF stands for...

Thanks
 
Last edited:
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p stands for pico, which is equivalent to 10^(-12).
 
So this is what I have now, the answer I'm getting is extremely small, could someone please just check over my work to see if I have made any errors... Thanks

[tex] \begin{gather*}<br /> C=17pF=1.7\times10^{-11}F\\<br /> \lambda=550nm=5.5\times10^{-7}m\\<br /> c=3.0\times10^8m/s<br /> \end{gather8}[/tex]

[tex] \begin{gather*}<br /> f=\frac{1}{2\pi\sqrt{LC}\\<br /> \frac{c}{\lambda}\sqrt{LC}=\frac{1}{2\pi}}\\<br /> LC=(\frac{\lambda}{2c\pi})^2\\<br /> L=(\frac{\lambda}{2c\pi})^{2}(\frac{1}{C})\\<br /> L=5.0\times10^{-21}\\<br /> \end{gather*}[/tex]
 
Your algebra looks right to me. I don't remember much about inductance to comment on the physics of it.
 

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