Infrared Waves vs. Radio Waves Frequency

[jfio93]

compared to the frequency of radio waves the frequency of infared waves is i keep getting this wrong, i look at my physics reference table and it clearly shows that infared waves have a greater frequency . but compared to the frequency of radio waves the frequency of infared waves is less according to my teacher

 

[tiny-tim]

welcome to pf!

hi jfio93! welcome to pf!

radio waves have a very long wavelength …

that's why radio telescopes are so large, and don't need to be smooth …

and a long wavelength means a low frequency

(so infrared is higher frequency than radio waves, but lower than light and Xrays etc)

 

[Drakkith]

Like Tim said, the frequency and wavelength of waves (which includes light) is inverse. The longer the wavelength, the smaller the frequency.

Radio waves have a very long (or large) wavelength, and thus, a very small frequency. Infared has a shorter (smaller) wavelength, and a higher frequency than radio waves.

Perhaps you or your teacher is thinking of wavelength instead of frequency?

Wavelength is the distance between two like points on a wave, like between peaks or between the valleys, and frequency is the number of cycles the wave does in one second. Like how many peaks pass a point in one second.

 

[Forestman]

In reference to what your teacher told you, not the guys above me.

Sometimes teachers are wrong. Remember, there is no arrogance in questioning authority.