Calculate wavelength from a known distance and color for Helium

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the wavelength of Helium based on known color ranges and a provided chart of wavelengths. Participants explore the relationship between color and wavelength, as well as the implications of using specific values from the chart.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to calculate the exact wavelength of Helium using a known distance and color, expressing uncertainty about how to proceed without frequency.
  • Another participant questions the meaning of "distance" in this context and points out that color corresponds to frequency, suggesting that knowing one should imply knowledge of the other.
  • A participant clarifies that they have a chart of Helium wavelengths and lists specific values, indicating that they need to match these with color ranges.
  • Concerns are raised about the absence of a suitable wavelength for yellow within the provided chart, as the range for yellow is 550-580 nm.
  • One participant suggests using the wavelength of 587.6 nm as it is close to the yellow range, which the original poster acknowledges as the only option available.
  • The original poster expresses a feeling that their question may not be legitimate, framing it more as a data setup issue rather than a straightforward inquiry.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need to select a wavelength from the chart based on color ranges, but there is uncertainty regarding the appropriate wavelength for yellow, leading to a lack of consensus on that specific point.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the relationship between color and frequency, and the limitations of the provided data in matching all color ranges to specific wavelengths.

NIN_GIRL81
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Hi all!

I just joined the forums and hopefully my question is in the right place and isn't a lame one but I'm stuck so here goes:

I want to know how to calculate wavelength from a known distance and color for Helium. I need exact wavelength. I already have the ranges obviously. Usually it's wavelength=c/v but I don't have frequency so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

:)
 
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What do you mean by distance?
Also color is frequency... so presumably if you know one - you know the other.
 
lzkelley said:
What do you mean by distance?
Also color is frequency... so presumably if you know one - you know the other.

sorry, I just realized that I was given a chart of Helium Wavelengths and the distances are to be used for something else:

447.1
468.6
471.3
492.2
501.6
587.6
667.8
706.5

I have six colors: violet, Blue, Green, Orange, Yellow, and Red which all have ranges.
violet: 380-420
blue: 440-470
green: 500-520
orange: 580-620
yellow: 550-580
red: 620-700

I think I am supposed to pick the wavelength from the given chart based on these ranges. Most work except for yellow. Yellow is in 550-580 and I don't see a wavelength that would fit in this range that is given above. And I must have six colors so I can't ignore the yellow.
 
what about the 587.6, its pretty close?
 
Yeah I guess, I will have to use that. I don't see another option. Thanks anyway, i guess this doesn't really count as a legitimate question; more of a weird data setup issue.

:)
 

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