- #1
JosephP
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Is it the wavelength of the electric portion or magnetic portion or something else entirely?
What is wavelength of light a measure of?
- Context: Undergrad
- Thread starter JosephP
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SUMMARY
The wavelength of light is a measure of both the electric and magnetic field oscillations in electromagnetic (EM) waves, and they are identical in value. For instance, red light has a wavelength of approximately 640nm, although the range for red light spans from 620nm to 750nm. Understanding this concept is fundamental for students studying optics and electromagnetic theory. As students advance in their studies, they will encounter more complex models of light behavior.
PREREQUISITES- Basic understanding of electromagnetic waves
- Familiarity with optics concepts
- Knowledge of wavelength measurement in nanometers
- Fundamentals of electric and magnetic fields
- Research the properties of electromagnetic waves
- Study the relationship between wavelength and frequency in light
- Explore advanced optics theories and models
- Learn about the spectrum of visible light and its applications
Undergraduate physics students, educators in optics, and anyone interested in the fundamental properties of light and electromagnetic radiation.
- #2
berkeman
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JosephP said:
Welcome to the PF.
If you are asking about EM waves, the wavelengths of the electric field component and the magnetic field component are the same.
http://phys242.ncat.edu/emwave.jpg
- #3
Simon Bridge
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Welcome to PF;
For electromagnetic radiation, i.e. light, the wavelength of the electric field oscillations is the same as for the magnetic field oscillations.
For electromagnetic radiation, i.e. light, the wavelength of the electric field oscillations is the same as for the magnetic field oscillations.
- #4
JosephP
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I am a undergrad student working on physics degree. I am currently taking an optics class and am trying to get in a better understanding of light. So the wavelength of the electric field oscillations (or mag. field) is the wavelength of the lifgt ie 640nm for red light. This may seam very basic but I want to get this nailed down. Thanks.
- #5
Simon Bridge
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That's right - an EM wave with a wavelength of 640nm would be red light.
Not all red light would have this wavelength though. The ranfe is usually taken to be from 620nm to 750nm.
That would the the wavelength of the magnetic field which is also the wavelength of the electric field - in the EM wave.
As you progress through your studies, you will be introduced to more sophisticated and complete models for how light works. In your undergrad course, you are only laying the foundations. Don't expect too much from it.
Not all red light would have this wavelength though. The ranfe is usually taken to be from 620nm to 750nm.
That would the the wavelength of the magnetic field which is also the wavelength of the electric field - in the EM wave.
As you progress through your studies, you will be introduced to more sophisticated and complete models for how light works. In your undergrad course, you are only laying the foundations. Don't expect too much from it.
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