- #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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- Light Measure Wavelength
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the concept of wavelength in the context of electromagnetic (EM) waves, specifically light. Participants explore whether the wavelength refers to the electric field component, the magnetic field component, or another aspect entirely, with a focus on understanding the relationship between these components in the context of optics.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants propose that the wavelength of electromagnetic waves, including light, is the same for both the electric and magnetic field components.
- Others clarify that for light, the wavelength of the electric field oscillations corresponds to the wavelength of the magnetic field oscillations.
- A participant mentions their background as an undergraduate student studying optics and seeks to confirm that the wavelength of light, such as 640nm for red light, pertains to the oscillations of the electric and magnetic fields.
- One participant notes that while 640nm is a wavelength associated with red light, the range for red light is typically considered to be from 620nm to 750nm.
- There is a suggestion that as students progress in their studies, they will encounter more complex models of light beyond the foundational concepts discussed.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree that the wavelength of light pertains to both the electric and magnetic field components. However, there is no consensus on the implications of this understanding or the depth of models that should be considered.
Contextual Notes
Some limitations include the potential for misunderstanding the relationship between the electric and magnetic components and the varying definitions of wavelength in different contexts. The discussion does not resolve these nuances.
- #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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