Dismiss Notice
Join Physics Forums Today!
The friendliest, high quality science and math community on the planet! Everyone who loves science is here!

Homework Help: Wavelength times frequency

  1. Feb 28, 2010 #1

    bonjour

    User Avatar

    equals speed?

    I only ask as I couldn't find a solid answer online.
     
    bonjour, Feb 28, 2010
  2. jcsd
    Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories on Phys.org
  3. Feb 28, 2010 #2

    Doc Al

    User Avatar

    Staff: Mentor

    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 24, 2017
    Doc Al, Feb 28, 2010
  4. Feb 28, 2010 #3

    bonjour

    User Avatar

    Isn't calling C the speed of light in e=mc2 misleading as light is a specific part of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum.

    Shouldn't C be the speed ot the electromagnetic radiation spectrum
     
    bonjour, Feb 28, 2010
  5. Feb 28, 2010 #4

    Doc Al

    User Avatar

    Staff: Mentor

    Since all forms of electromagnetic radiation have the same speed in a vacuum, calling 'c' the speed of light is OK. Often all wavelengths, not just the visible, are referred to as 'light'.
     
    Doc Al, Feb 28, 2010
  6. Feb 28, 2010 #5

    bonjour

    User Avatar

    Right so then there would also be no objection to calling C the speed of gamma, or speed of infrared?
     
    bonjour, Feb 28, 2010
  7. Feb 28, 2010 #6

    Doc Al

    User Avatar

    Staff: Mentor

    Sure. No problem. All the same. Just calling it the 'speed of light' is more generic, though.
     
    Doc Al, Feb 28, 2010
  8. Feb 28, 2010 #7

    bonjour

    User Avatar

    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 24, 2017
    bonjour, Feb 28, 2010
  9. Feb 28, 2010 #8

    Doc Al

    User Avatar

    Staff: Mentor

    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 24, 2017
    Doc Al, Feb 28, 2010
Share this great discussion with others via Reddit, Google+, Twitter, or Facebook