Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 3: Problem 23

How are the frequency and wavelength of light related?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The frequency and wavelength of light are inversely proportional. As the frequency increases, the wavelength decreases and vice versa, as the speed of light is a constant.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the terms

Frequency is the rate at which something occurs over a particular period of time or in a given sample, measured in Hertz (Hz). For light, this indicates the number of light cycles per second. Wavelength, on the other hand, represents the distance between similar points of two consecutive waves; in the context of light, it's typically measured in nanometers (nm).
02

Understanding the relationship between frequency and wavelength

As per the wave theory of light, frequency (\(f\)) and wavelength (\(\lambda\)) are inversely proportional. This is meant by the equation \(c = f \times \lambda\), where \(c\) is the speed of light.
03

Applying the Speed of Light

The speed of light in a vacuum is a universal constant with the symbol \(c\), and the value is approximately \(2.998 × 10^8\) meters per second. If the frequency increases, the wavelength decreases and vice versa, because the speed of light remains constant. Thus, measuring one enables calculation of the other.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Many elements exist as polyatomic molecules. Use atomic masses to calculate the molecular masses of the following: \begin{equation} \begin{array}{l}{\text { a. } \mathrm{O}_{2}} \\ {\text { b. } \mathrm{P}_{4}} \\ {\text { c. } \mathrm{S}_{8}}\end{array} \end{equation}

Of the five parts of Dalton's atomic theory, which one (s) have been modified?

Explain why different atoms of the same element always have the same atomic number but can have different mass numbers.

All barium atoms have 56 protons. One isotope of barium has 74 neutrons, and another isotope has 81 neutrons. Write the symbols for these two isotopes of barium.

Calculate the number of atoms in 2.0 \(\mathrm{g}\) of hydrogen atoms. The atomic mass of hydrogen is 1.01 amu.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation

The Earths Atmosphere

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Inorganic Chemistry

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free