# Quantum Theory makes me go crazy

1. Sep 19, 2006

### President Mercury

I am in a General Chemistry class but we are on the chapter: Quantum Theory and Electronic Structure of Atoms. I do not understand my teacher and want some kind of real human being to explain to me how to find an answer to the question I'm going to give. Please do not think that I'm cheating on homework or anything, I want to know how and why the answer is what it is not just a quick answer.

Here is the question: What is the wavelength (in nanometers) of light having a frequency of 8.6 x 10^13 Hz? What is the frequency (in Hz) of light having a wavelength of 566nm?

Thanks to anyone who can help (or give me a joke to laugh at)

2. Sep 19, 2006

### Staff: Mentor

How do speed, wavelength, and frequency relate for any wave? (Hint: Consider the units of each.) What's the speed of light?

3. Sep 19, 2006

### chroot

Staff Emeritus
Do you know the equation which relates the frequency and wavelength of a wave through its velocity of propagation?

$\nu \lambda = c$

- Warren

4. Sep 20, 2006

### gongchangjie

the answer above is right

5. Sep 20, 2006

### fujiwara_sai

maybe the threadstarter wanna know why is the equation $\nu \lambda = c$ ?

6. Sep 20, 2006

### HallsofIvy

Staff Emeritus
I believe that was Doc Al's point.

7. Sep 20, 2006

### Hurkyl

Staff Emeritus
So, a priest, mininster, and a rabbi may have walked into a bar...

8. Sep 20, 2006

### President Mercury

I understand what Doc Al and Chroot are both getting at. So after using the equation that was given by Chroot I should convert the answer into nanometers?

9. Sep 20, 2006

### Staff: Mentor

If they want the wavelength in nanometers, give them nanometers!

1 nm = $$10^{-9}$$ m

10. Sep 20, 2006

### President Mercury

Ha! They MAY have walked into a bar? Did they or didn't they?

11. Sep 20, 2006

### President Mercury

Thank you! I shall give them nanometers!

...nanometers that destroy

No but seriously thank you

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