What Are the Standard Wavelengths of Light and Their Variations?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of standard wavelengths of light and whether different spectra of light could result in variations in the speed of light. Participants explore theoretical models, experimental approaches, and the implications of wavelength on light's properties.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if light has a standard wavelength and suggests that different spectra might lead to multiple speeds of light.
  • Another participant asserts that the speed of light in a vacuum is independent of wavelength.
  • Several participants inquire about how to model or prove the relationship between wavelength and speed of light.
  • A participant proposes an experimental approach using sunlight to measure the speed of light by observing shadows cast through a hole in paper.
  • Another participant references the experimental basis of special relativity and suggests that the speed of light can be derived from Maxwell's equations, emphasizing the importance of experimental proof.
  • One participant provides a range of wavelengths for different types of electromagnetic radiation, highlighting the vast variation in wavelengths.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between wavelength and the speed of light, with some asserting independence while others explore the implications of varying wavelengths. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the existence of a standard wavelength and its effects.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on definitions of speed and wavelength, and there are unresolved questions about the experimental methods proposed for measuring light speed.

Questioner...
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Hello there, I am new to the sight and am curious to know if light has a standard wave length? And that maybe different spectrum's of light could possibly have different wave length- thus creating multiple speeds of light?
 
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The speed of light in a vacuum is independent of wavelength.
 
How would one make a model of that?
 
Questioner... said:
How would one make a model of that?
What do you mean?
 
How can one go about proving that?
 
My theory could proven wrong with a simple test, the sun- a standard would be my base unit of speed. I would focus a beam sunlight through a simple hole in a piece of paper and see where the shadow has cast. I would then proceed to cover the whole in the paper and use some sort of timer to depict the speed in which it takes the light to travel from the hole in the paper to the ground.

Now using this same model we can find out how fast a beam of Sunlight travels from point A: This piece of paper casting the shadow, to point B: the shadow on the ground.
I believe also we could find are exact angle to the sun? I am not sure though,

Please forgive me if you think it is a radical or stupid Idea, I am new to the subject of physics but I carry an open mind.
 
Questioner... said:
How can one go about proving that?

See the FAQ on the experimental basis of special relativity, in particular section 3.4, "Measurements of the Speed of Light, and Other Limits on it," which has a subsection "Limits on Velocity Variations with Frequency."
 
Questioner... said:
How can one go about proving that?
It can be derived from Maxwell's equations and properties of free space (which do not depend on wavelength). But the real "proof" is experimental, as jtbell indicated.
 
Wavelengths vary over many orders of magnitude; AM radio is about 300 meter wavelength, FM about 3 m, 1 GHz about 30 cm, infrared about 1 to 100 microns, red light about 600 nanometers, blue light about 400 nanometers, etc.
 

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