Anyone care to explain the TA's note?

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The discussion revolves around the confusion between angular frequency (omega) and regular frequency (f) in the context of wavelength and wave equations. The formula for wavelength is clarified as λ = (2πc)/ω, emphasizing that omega represents angular frequency, which is related to energy differences in quantum mechanics. Participants note that while λ = c/f is valid, it must be adjusted for angular frequency since ω = 2πf. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the distinction between these terms to avoid errors in calculations. Overall, the thread underscores the need for clarity in physics concepts, particularly in wave mechanics.
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Omega here is frequency.

I used lambda = c/f. Why is it (2*pi*c)/omega and not c/f or c/omega?

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n149/camarolt4z28/2010-10-04203213.jpg?t=1286245112

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n149/camarolt4z28/2010-10-04203118.jpg?t=1286245065
 
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It looks like the formula you used was derived as

\omega_{ij} = \frac{E_j - E_i}{\hbar},

which is an angular frequency as can be seen from the presence of \hbar rather than h.
 
fzero said:
It looks like the formula you used was derived as

\omega_{ij} = \frac{E_j - E_i}{\hbar},

which is an angular frequency as can be seen from the presence of \hbar rather than h.

Yeah. But h-bar is already in the denominator in the formula I used to calculate omega_{ij}.
 
The wavelength is still 2\pi c/\omega.
 
Why not ask your TA for clarification?
 
fzero said:
The wavelength is still 2\pi c/\omega.

Why is lambda = c/f not valid?
 
cristo said:
Why not ask your TA for clarification?

I forgot. I already bugged him about two other problems. I did poorly on this damn homework.
 
Shackleford said:
Why is lambda = c/f not valid?

It is, but \omega = 2\pi f.
 
fzero said:
It is, but \omega = 2\pi f.

Well, that's my mistake. I wasn't taking omega to be an angular frequency. Why? I don't know. Son of a *****.
 
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