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Light as a wave
Light as a wave
All forms of light have specific wavelengths and frequencies due to its wave-like behavior.
All forms of light have specific wavelengths and frequencies due to its wave-like behavior.
Frequency (ν) can be defined as the number of vibrations per unit time, and it is measured in the SI unit of Hertz (Hz). In respect to light waves, the number of vibrations is measured by the number of crests per unit time.
Frequency (ν) can be defined as the number of vibrations per unit time, and it is measured in the SI unit of Hertz (Hz). In respect to light waves, the number of vibrations is measured by the number of crests per unit time.
Wavelength (λ) can be defined as the distance between successive crests of a wave, and can be measured in the SI unit of meters (m).
Wavelength (λ) can be defined as the distance between successive crests of a wave, and can be measured in the SI unit of meters (m).
Frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional. As frequency increases, the crests of a wave become closer together, and thus, wavelength decreases. Frequency and wavelength can be related by the equation below:
Frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional. As frequency increases, the crests of a wave become closer together, and thus, wavelength decreases. Frequency and wavelength can be related by the equation below:
c = λν
c = λν
In this equation, wavelength is represented by λ, and frequency is represented by ν. The product of this equation, c, represents the speed of light. The speed of light is equal to 3.00E8 m/s. Since the speed of light is a constant value for all electromagnetic radiation, the wavelength can be calculated when the frequency is given, and vice versa.
In this equation, wavelength is represented by λ, and frequency is represented by ν. The product of this equation, c, represents the speed of light. The speed of light is equal to 3.00E8 m/s. Since the speed of light is a constant value for all electromagnetic radiation, the wavelength can be calculated when the frequency is given, and vice versa.
light as a particle
light as a particle
Light is made up of bundles of electromagnetic energy called photons. Photons interact with matter by being absorbed or emitted. The emission of a photon from matter results in light.
Light is made up of bundles of electromagnetic energy called photons. Photons interact with matter by being absorbed or emitted. The emission of a photon from matter results in light.
When a photon is absorbed or emitted by an atom or a molecule, the energy that is absorbed or emitted is always equal to a whole-number multiple of the value hν. This is given by the equation below:
When a photon is absorbed or emitted by an atom or a molecule, the energy that is absorbed or emitted is always equal to a whole-number multiple of the value hν. This is given by the equation below:
E = hν
E = hν
In this equation, h is equal to Planck's constant, which is 6.626E−34 J⋅s. ν is equal to frequency in Hz, and E is equal to the energy of the photon that was absorbed or emitted in the SI unit of joules (J).
In this equation, h is equal to Planck's constant, which is 6.626E−34 J⋅s. ν is equal to frequency in Hz, and E is equal to the energy of the photon that was absorbed or emitted in the SI unit of joules (J).
This equation shows that the frequency of light and the energy of light are directly proportional. Additionally, since we know that frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional, we can also conclude that the energy of light is inversely proportional to its wavelength.
This equation shows that the frequency of light and the energy of light are directly proportional. Additionally, since we know that frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional, we can also conclude that the energy of light is inversely proportional to its wavelength.
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