Wavelength Speed: 10nm vs 1mm - Does UV Travel Faster?

In summary, light at 10nm and 1mm will not travel at different speeds due to distance, as distance is not a factor in the speed of a transverse wave. Instead, it is better to think of the wavelength as phases rather than a traveled distance. This can be better understood by considering water waves, where the motion of the wave is separate from the motion of the water itself. Therefore, the speed of light is not affected by the distance it must travel.
  • #1
Fonzi03
1
0
Would light at 10nm be traveling at a slower speed due to having to go a shorter distance than light at 1mm? The IR light is traveling a straighter line to its destination than the UV so for both of them to arrive at the same time the UV must be going faster in order to make up time and be at the same destination at the same time as the IR right?
 
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  • #2
Let's back up and think about water waves. If you throw a stick in the ocean, the waves don't wash it up on the shore. (That only happens if there's a wind.) The wave pattern moves smoothly in one direction, toward the beach. The water oscillates. The two motions are completely different.

A transverse wave isn't traveling along a sinudoidal path, so it's not right to imagine that there is extra distance involved.
 
  • #3
Maybe better to consider the peaks & troughs of a wavelength as "phases", but not a traveled distance.
 

1. What is the difference between a wavelength speed of 10nm and 1mm?

The main difference between a wavelength speed of 10nm and 1mm is the size of the wavelength. A wavelength of 10nm is much smaller than 1mm, meaning that it has a higher frequency and shorter wavelength. This also means that the wavelength speed will be faster at 10nm compared to 1mm.

2. Why does UV light travel faster than other types of light?

UV light has a shorter wavelength compared to other types of light, which results in a higher frequency and faster speed. Additionally, UV light travels through a vacuum, such as outer space, at the same speed as other types of light. However, when passing through a medium, such as air or water, UV light will travel faster due to its shorter wavelength.

3. How is the speed of UV light related to its wavelength?

The speed of UV light is directly related to its wavelength. The shorter the wavelength, the faster the speed. This is because the speed of light is constant, and the frequency of light is determined by its wavelength. Therefore, a shorter wavelength will result in a higher frequency and faster speed.

4. Does the wavelength speed of UV light affect its energy?

Yes, the wavelength speed of UV light does affect its energy. The shorter the wavelength, the higher the energy of the UV light. This is because the energy of light is directly proportional to its frequency. So, a higher frequency (shorter wavelength) will result in a higher energy UV light.

5. Is there a limit to how fast UV light can travel?

According to Einstein's theory of relativity, the speed of light is the fastest possible speed in the universe. This means that UV light, like all other types of light, cannot travel any faster than the speed of light in a vacuum, which is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second. However, the speed of UV light can vary when passing through different mediums, such as air or water.

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