Very simple problem about wavelength, just a double check on work

In summary, when calculating the wavelength in meters and frequency in hertz for radiation with a frequency of 1200cm^-1, the wavenumber must be used. The resulting values are λ = 8.33*10^-6 m and freq = 3.6*10^13 Hz. However, it should be noted that depending on the context, wavenumber may be defined as either 1/λ or 2π/λ.
  • #1
vande060
186
0

Homework Statement



radiation with a frequency of 1200cm^-1, calculate the wavelength in meters and the frequency in hertz



Homework Equations



wavenumber = 1/λ

freq = c/λ



The Attempt at a Solution



1200cm^-1 = 1/λ

λ = 8.33*10^-6 m

freq = (3.0 * 10^8)/(8.66*10^-6) = 3.6*10^13 Hz
 
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  • #2
vande060 said:

Homework Statement



radiation with a frequency of 1200cm^-1, calculate the wavelength in meters and the frequency in hertz

Homework Equations



wavenumber = 1/λ

freq = c/λ

The Attempt at a Solution



1200cm^-1 = 1/λ

λ = 8.33*10^-6 m

freq = (3.0 * 10^8)/(8.66*10^-6) = 3.6*10^13 Hz
Hi vande060.

Looks good to me, & I'm a spectroscopist.

(I assume that's 1200 cm-1 in a vacuum.)
 
  • #3
vande060 said:

Homework Statement



radiation with a frequency of 1200cm^-1, calculate the wavelength in meters and the frequency in hertz
Do you mean wavenumber?

Homework Equations



wavenumber = 1/λ

freq = c/λ



The Attempt at a Solution



1200cm^-1 = 1/λ

λ = 8.33*10^-6 m

freq = (3.0 * 10^8)/(8.66*10^-6) = 3.6*10^13 Hz
I think that's right. :approve: But realize that depending on the context, wavenumber sometimes is defined as 1/λ and sometimes defined as 2π/λ. The above looks right to me assuming that you are using the wavenumber = 1/λ definition, and assuming that you mean the wavenumber is 1200 cm-1.
 
  • #4
Thanks, both of you
 
  • #5
vande060 said:

radiation with a frequency of 1200cm^-1

if its wave number, then your answer is correct?
 

1. How do I calculate wavelength?

To calculate wavelength, divide the speed of the wave by its frequency. The formula is: Wavelength = Speed of wave / Frequency

2. What is the unit of measurement for wavelength?

The unit of measurement for wavelength is meters (m). However, it can also be measured in other units such as nanometers (nm) or micrometers (μm) depending on the size of the wave.

3. Can wavelength change?

Yes, wavelength can change depending on the medium it is traveling through. It may also change if the frequency of the wave changes.

4. How does wavelength relate to the color of light?

Wavelength and the color of light are directly related. Shorter wavelengths correspond to colors on the blue end of the visible light spectrum, while longer wavelengths correspond to colors on the red end.

5. Can you have a negative wavelength?

No, wavelength is a physical quantity and therefore cannot be negative. It is always a positive value.

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