Electromagnetic Waves Physics Example 1

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Example 1

easy
An electromagnetic wave has a frequency of 6×1014 Hz6 \times 10^{14} \text{ Hz}. What is its wavelength? What type of EM radiation is this? Use c=3×108 m/sc = 3 \times 10^8 \text{ m/s}.

Solution

  1. 1
    All EM waves travel at the speed of light: λ=cf\lambda = \frac{c}{f}.
  2. 2
    λ=3×1086×1014=5×10−7 m=500 nm\lambda = \frac{3 \times 10^8}{6 \times 10^{14}} = 5 \times 10^{-7} \text{ m} = 500 \text{ nm}
  3. 3
    This is in the visible light range, corresponding to blue-green light.

Answer

λ=500 nm (visible light, blue-green)\lambda = 500 \text{ nm (visible light, blue-green)}
Electromagnetic waves are oscillating electric and magnetic fields that travel at the speed of light. They do not require a medium and can travel through a vacuum.

About Electromagnetic Waves

Transverse waves consisting of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of propagation.

Learn more about Electromagnetic Waves →

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