Question

What is the frequency of light `(s^-1)` that has a wavelength of `3.86 * 10^-5` `cm`?

Answer 1

`7.77 * 10^14s^(-1)`

Explanation:

We are given the wavelength of an electromagnetic wave and asked to calculate the frequency. The relevant equation is:

λ = c/ν
where wavelength is in m, and c is the speed of light `(3.00 * 10^8 m/s)`
Convert the given wavelength into meters: `3.86⋅10^−5 cm * ("1m"/"100cm") = 3.86⋅10^(−7) m`
`(3.86 * 10^2nm – blue light)`

`ν = c/λ = (3.0 x 10^8m/s)/(3.86 * 10^(-7)m) = 0.777 * 10^15s^(-1)`

= `7.77 * 10^14s^(-1)`