Calculating Frequency of Blue Light: Speed of Light & Wavelength Formula

In summary, the frequency of light refers to the number of complete oscillations or cycles of the electromagnetic wave that occur in one second and is measured in Hertz (Hz) or cycles per second. The frequency of light and its wavelength are inversely related, with a higher frequency resulting in a shorter wavelength and vice versa. The visible spectrum of light is the range of electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye and spans from approximately 400 to 700 nanometers. The frequency of light is directly proportional to its energy, with a higher frequency resulting in a higher energy. Common sources of high frequency light include X-rays, gamma rays, and ultraviolet (UV) light, which are often produced by processes such as nuclear reactions, lightning
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Homework Statement



The speed of light is 3 x [tex]10^8[/tex] m/s. Blue light has a wavelength of about 450nm (nm = 10^-9 m). Calculate the frequency of this light

Homework Equations



v=f[tex]\lambda[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



3 x [tex]10^8[/tex] = f x 450
f = [tex]\frac{3 times 10^8}{450}[/tex]
 
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  • #2
nearly there. Convert that wavelength to meters.
 
  • #3
= 6.67 x 10^14 Hz

I would like to confirm that the equation used to calculate the frequency of light, v=fλ, is correct. The speed of light, c, is a constant value and is equal to 3 x 10^8 m/s. This value is used to convert the wavelength, λ, from nanometers to meters. In this case, the wavelength of blue light is 450 nm, which is equivalent to 450 x 10^-9 m. Plugging in these values into the equation, we get:

v = (3 x 10^8 m/s) / (450 x 10^-9 m)
= 6.67 x 10^14 Hz

Therefore, the frequency of blue light is 6.67 x 10^14 Hz. This calculation is important because it helps us understand the behavior and properties of light. Frequency is a measure of how many waves pass a certain point in a given time, and it is directly proportional to the energy of the light. In this case, blue light has a higher frequency compared to other visible light colors, indicating that it has a higher energy. This information can be useful in various scientific fields, such as optics, astronomy, and chemistry.
 

What is the frequency of light?

The frequency of light refers to the number of complete oscillations or cycles of the electromagnetic wave that occur in one second. It is typically measured in Hertz (Hz) or cycles per second.

How is frequency of light related to wavelength?

The frequency of light and its wavelength are inversely related. This means that as the frequency increases, the wavelength decreases, and vice versa. This relationship is described by the equation: frequency = speed of light / wavelength.

What is the visible spectrum of light?

The visible spectrum of light is the range of electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye. It spans from approximately 400 to 700 nanometers and includes the colors of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.

How does the frequency of light affect its energy?

The frequency of light is directly proportional to its energy. This means that as the frequency increases, the energy of the light also increases. This relationship is described by the equation: energy = Planck's constant x frequency.

What are some common sources of high frequency light?

X-rays, gamma rays, and ultraviolet (UV) light are all examples of high frequency light. These types of light have shorter wavelengths and higher energies compared to visible light. They are often produced by processes such as nuclear reactions, lightning, and certain types of stars.

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