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Chapter 7: Problem 20

What do we mean by the frequency of electromagnetic radiation? Is the frequency the same as the speed of the electromagnetic radiation?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The frequency of electromagnetic radiation refers to the number of oscillations or cycles that occur in one second, measured in Hertz (Hz). Electromagnetic radiation, which includes radio waves, microwaves, visible light, X-rays, and gamma rays, travels in the form of waves with oscillating electric and magnetic fields. The speed of electromagnetic radiation is the rate at which the wave propagates through space, and it is constant in a vacuum (approximately \(3 \times 10^8\) meters per second). The frequency and speed of electromagnetic radiation are not the same; while the speed remains constant, the frequency can differ among various types of electromagnetic radiation, providing information about the radiation type.

Step by step solution

01

Define Electromagnetic Radiation

Electromagnetic radiation is a type of energy that travels in the form of waves, which include radio waves, microwaves, visible light, X-rays, and gamma rays. These waves are composed of oscillating electric and magnetic fields, which are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of wave propagation.
02

Define Frequency

Frequency is a measure of the number of oscillations or cycles that occur in one second. It is measured in Hertz (Hz) and represents how many times the electromagnetic wave oscillates within one second.
03

Relationship between Frequency and Speed

The speed of electromagnetic radiation is the rate at which the wave propagates through space. All types of electromagnetic radiation have the same speed in a vacuum, which is the speed of light (c) or approximately \(3 \times 10^8\) meters per second (m/s). The speed of electromagnetic radiation can be related to frequency and wavelength through the equation: \[c = \lambda \cdot \nu\] Where: - \(c\) is the speed of the electromagnetic radiation (m/s) - \(\lambda\) is the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation (m) - \(\nu\) is the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation (Hz)
04

Comparison of Frequency and Speed

The frequency of electromagnetic radiation is not the same as its speed. While the speed of different types of electromagnetic radiation is constant in a vacuum, their frequencies can differ. For example, visible light has a higher frequency (and shorter wavelength) than radio waves. So, the frequency provides information about the type of electromagnetic radiation, while the speed remains constant.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Which of elements \(1-36\) have one unpaired electron in the ground state?

Assume that we are in another universe with different physical laws. Electrons in this universe are described by four quantum numbers with meanings similar to those we use. We will call these quantum numbers \(p, q, r\), and \(s\). The rules for these quantum numbers are as follows: \(p=1,2,3,4,5, \ldots\) \(q\) takes on positive odd integers and \(q \leq p\). \(r\) takes on all even integer values from \(-q\) to \(+q\). (Zero is considered an even number.) \(s=+\frac{1}{2}\) or \(-\frac{1}{2}\) a. Sketch what the first four periods of the periodic table will look like in this universe. b. What are the atomic numbers of the first four elements you would expect to be least reactive? c. Give an example, using elements in the first four rows, of ionic compounds with the formulas XY, \(\mathrm{XY}_{2}, \mathrm{X}_{2} \mathrm{Y}, \mathrm{XY}_{3}\), and \(\mathrm{X}_{2} \mathrm{Y}_{3}\). d. How many electrons can have \(p=4, q=3 ?\) e. How many electrons can have \(p=3, q=0, r=0\) ? f. How many electrons can have \(p=6\) ?

Give the maximum number of electrons in an atom that can have these quantum numbers: a. \(n=0, \ell=0, m_{\ell}=0\) b. \(n=2, \ell=1, m_{\ell}=-1, m_{s}=-\frac{1}{2}\) c. \(n=3, m_{s}=+\frac{1}{2}\) d. \(n=2, \ell=2\) e. \(n=1, \ell=0, m_{\ell}=0\)

Order the atoms in each of the following sets from the least exothermic electron affinity to the most. a. \(\mathrm{S}, \mathrm{Se}\) b. \(\mathrm{F}, \mathrm{Cl}, \mathrm{Br}, \mathrm{I}\)

The electron affinity for sulfur is more exothermic than that for oxygen. How do you account for this?
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