Calculating Wavelength without distance

  • Thread starter StotleD
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So to find the wavelength, λ, you just divide c by f.In summary, To find the wavelength of light with a frequency of 5.58×1014 Hz, you can use the equation c = fλ, where c is the speed of light and λ is the wavelength. Simply divide c by the given frequency to find the wavelength.
  • #1
StotleD
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A question has been given to me: what is the wavelength for light with a frequency of 5.58×1014 Hz? How do you find the wavelength without the distance?
 
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  • #2
You can use the equation [itex]c = f\lambda[/itex], where c is the speed of light (in free space).
 
  • #3
That formula includes the wavelength which is what I am trying to solve for. I am a first year physics student so you'll have to take it easy.
 
  • #4
Well if it didn't include the wavelength you couldn't solve for it, could you?

c= λf so λ= c/f.

You are given the frequency, f, and you know, or can look up, the speed of light, c.
 

1. What is the formula for calculating wavelength without distance?

The formula for calculating wavelength without distance is:
λ = c/f
Where:
λ = wavelength in meters
c = speed of light (3.00 x 10^8 m/s)
f = frequency in Hertz (Hz)

2. Can wavelength be calculated without knowing the distance?

Yes, wavelength can be calculated without knowing the distance. This can be done by using the formula λ = c/f, where c is the speed of light and f is the frequency. However, knowing the distance can be helpful in some cases, such as determining the wavelength of a standing wave.

3. How do you find the frequency without knowing the distance?

To find the frequency without knowing the distance, you can rearrange the formula λ = c/f to solve for f:
f = c/λ
This formula allows you to calculate the frequency using the speed of light and the wavelength.

4. What units are used for wavelength and frequency?

The unit for wavelength is meters (m), while the unit for frequency is Hertz (Hz). However, in some cases, other units may be used, such as nanometers (nm) for wavelength and kilohertz (kHz) for frequency.

5. Can wavelength without distance be applied to all types of waves?

Yes, the formula for calculating wavelength without distance (λ = c/f) can be applied to all types of waves, including electromagnetic waves and mechanical waves. However, it is important to note that the speed of light (c) may vary depending on the medium the wave is traveling through.

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