Converting cm to cm-1: How to Calculate 1/37

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To convert an interval of 37 cm to cm-1, the calculation 1/37 yields 0.027 cm-1, which is correct. However, confusion arises when discussing a wavelength of 0.162 Å, which corresponds to 0.36 cm-1. The discrepancy in calculations suggests a misunderstanding of the quantities involved, as 0.162 Å is significantly smaller than 1/3 cm. Clarification is needed on whether the goal is to find the inverse wavelength or the magnitude of the wave vector. Understanding the units and their relationships is crucial for accurate conversions.
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If i got my interval is 37 cm .And if i want to get in cm-1 I have to do this 1/37=0,027cm-1 right?
 
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Yes, that's fine.
 
agentas said:
If i got my interval is 37 cm .And if i want to get in cm-1 I have to do this 1/37=0,027cm-1 right?

You want to get WHAT in cm-1? Not the same interval, I hope.
 
from some Lithium atomic spectrum which is equal 0.162A.This corresponds to 0.36cm-1
I still struggling to get this answer ,because if i take reciprocal of of it i can not get 0,36cm-1
 
0.162A is not even close to 1/3rd of cm. You are off by many orders of magnitude.
 
It would be a good start to figure out what are the quantities you are dealing with.
What quantity is given in A? Is it a wavelength?
And then what quantity do you want to calculate? Is it inverse wavelength or maybe the magnitude of the wave vector?
 

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