What are the basic SI units for (a) the wavelength of light, (b) the frequency of light, (c) the speed of light?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The basic SI units for (a) the wavelength of light is meters \((m)\), (b) the frequency of light is Hertz \((Hz)\), and (c) the speed of light is meters per second \((m/s)\).

Step by step solution

01

(a) Wavelength of light

The wavelength of light refers to the distance between two consecutive points on a wave of light (for example, two successive peaks). It is a property of light that can be measured in units of length. The basic SI unit for length is the meter \( (m) \). Therefore, the basic SI unit for the wavelength of light is meters \( (m) \).
02

(b) Frequency of light

The frequency of light refers to the number of complete wave cycles that pass a given point in one second. It is a property of light that can be measured in units of cycles per second (also called Hertz). The basic SI unit for frequency is Hertz \( (Hz) \), which is equivalent to cycles per second. Therefore, the basic SI unit for the frequency of light is Hertz \( (Hz) \).
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(c) Speed of light

The speed of light is the speed at which light travels through a vacuum. It is a constant value and refers to the product of wavelength and frequency. The speed of light is a property that can be measured in units of distance (meters) divided by time (seconds). The basic SI unit for speed is meters per second \((m/s)\). Therefore, the basic SI unit for the speed of light is meters per second \((m/s)\).

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