The discussion revolves around the question of the smallest possible wavelength of light, exploring both theoretical limits and practical examples across the electromagnetic spectrum. Participants consider various types of light, including visible light and gamma rays, and delve into concepts related to quantum mechanics and zero-point energy.
Participants express differing views on the definitions and limits of wavelength, with no consensus on whether the smallest wavelength is finite or infinite, or how it relates to concepts like zero-point energy and quantum mechanics.
Discussions include unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of "light" and the implications of quantum mechanics on wavelength limits. The relationship between energy, wavelength, and relativistic effects remains complex and not fully agreed upon.
The above quote is from another thread about a month ago, so i started another thread.Bob S said: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.
Stratosphere said:Do you mean the smallest wavelength of visible light or any type?
Gamma rays have the shortest wavelengths of any other type of electromagnetism. They can have wavelengths of less than 10 picometre.
On the other hand, Extremely low frequency is abought \lambda=100Mm
stevebd1 said:You might say that the smallest wavelength possible would be http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planck_length" (1.616e-35 metres) which is the smallest distance predicted before quantum effects reduce spacetime to a quantum foam.