- #1
JosephP
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Is it the wavelength of the electric portion or magnetic portion or something else entirely?
What is wavelength of light a measure of?
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In summary, the conversation discusses the wavelength of electromagnetic waves, specifically the electric and magnetic field components. It is mentioned that for light, these wavelengths are the same, with an example given for red light having a wavelength of 640nm. However, it is also noted that not all red light falls within this range. The conversation ends with a reminder that this is just the basics and more complex models will be introduced in the future.
- #2
berkeman
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JosephP said:
Welcome to the PF.
If you are asking about EM waves, the wavelengths of the electric field component and the magnetic field component are the same.
http://phys242.ncat.edu/emwave.jpg
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Simon Bridge
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Welcome to PF;
For electromagnetic radiation, i.e. light, the wavelength of the electric field oscillations is the same as for the magnetic field oscillations.
For electromagnetic radiation, i.e. light, the wavelength of the electric field oscillations is the same as for the magnetic field oscillations.
- #4
JosephP
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I am a undergrad student working on physics degree. I am currently taking an optics class and am trying to get in a better understanding of light. So the wavelength of the electric field oscillations (or mag. field) is the wavelength of the lifgt ie 640nm for red light. This may seam very basic but I want to get this nailed down. Thanks.
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Simon Bridge
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That's right - an EM wave with a wavelength of 640nm would be red light.
Not all red light would have this wavelength though. The ranfe is usually taken to be from 620nm to 750nm.
That would the the wavelength of the magnetic field which is also the wavelength of the electric field - in the EM wave.
As you progress through your studies, you will be introduced to more sophisticated and complete models for how light works. In your undergrad course, you are only laying the foundations. Don't expect too much from it.
Not all red light would have this wavelength though. The ranfe is usually taken to be from 620nm to 750nm.
That would the the wavelength of the magnetic field which is also the wavelength of the electric field - in the EM wave.
As you progress through your studies, you will be introduced to more sophisticated and complete models for how light works. In your undergrad course, you are only laying the foundations. Don't expect too much from it.
1. What is the definition of wavelength of light?
The wavelength of light is the distance between two adjacent peaks or troughs in a light wave. It is typically measured in units of meters (m) or nanometers (nm).
2. How is wavelength of light related to the color of light?
The color of light is determined by the wavelength of light. Shorter wavelengths (such as blue and violet) appear as cooler colors, while longer wavelengths (such as red and orange) appear as warmer colors.
3. What is the electromagnetic spectrum and where does visible light fall on it?
The electromagnetic spectrum is the range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, including radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays. Visible light falls in the middle of the spectrum, between infrared and ultraviolet light.
4. How is the wavelength of light measured?
The wavelength of light is typically measured using a device called a spectrophotometer, which uses a diffraction grating or prism to separate the different wavelengths of light. It can also be measured using known properties of the light source, such as the frequency or energy of the light.
5. How does the wavelength of light affect its properties?
The wavelength of light can affect its properties in various ways. For example, shorter wavelengths have higher energy and can be more damaging to living cells, while longer wavelengths have lower energy and are less harmful. Wavelength also determines how light interacts with matter, such as the colors we see when light is reflected or absorbed by objects.