Physical significance of wavenumber

Thread starter pallavi12
Start date Aug 5, 2010
Tags

Physical Significance wavenumber

AI Thread Summary

Wavenumber, defined as the reciprocal of wavelength, is significant in various fields, particularly in spectroscopy, where it relates to the energy and frequency of photons. The plot with wavenumber on the x-axis and count on the y-axis likely represents the intensity of light at different wavelengths, indicating how many photons are detected at each wavenumber. This can be practically applied in analyzing materials, as different substances absorb or emit light at specific wavenumbers. Understanding this relationship helps in identifying chemical compositions and physical properties. The discussion emphasizes the importance of wavenumber in interpreting spectral data effectively.

Aug 5, 2010

pallavi12

i do not understand what is the physical significance of wavenumber.
i have a plot with wavenumber on x-axis and count on the y axis.
what does the plot mean, how can i relate to a practical example. please help

Physics news on Phys.org

Aug 5, 2010

Petr Mugver

Wavenumber is related to wavelength by

k=\frac{2\pi}{\lambda}

Maybe you are counting the number of photons of a certain wavelength that reach a detector?

Thread 'Atmosphere on moons'

Why don't other large moons in our solar system have atmospheres like Titan?

View full post »

Thread 'Is space stretching or is new space being created?'

Do we even know? My understanding of dark energy is that particles come into existence, exert and outward force, then vanish. My problem with that is how, of course, then how does dark energy know to push everything in the same direction? The pressure exerted would be in all directions, even if the space was moving so why isn't stuff pushed all over the sky? Thanks - rev

View full post »

Thread 'The Physics of unloading sand from a barge'

I think it's easist first to watch a short vidio clip I find these videos very relaxing to watch .. I got to thinking is this being done in the most efficient way? The sand has to be suspended in the water to move it to the outlet ... The faster the water , the more turbulance and the sand stays suspended, so it seems to me the rule of thumb is the hose be aimed towards the outlet at all times .. Many times the workers hit the sand directly which will greatly reduce the water...

View full post »