Math Problem Statement

How is the frequency of the incident radiation (ν) related to its wavelength (λ) and speed (c)?

Solution

The relationship between the frequency of incident radiation (ν), its wavelength (λ), and the speed of light (c) is given by the following equation:

c=νλc = \nu \cdot \lambda

Where:

  • c is the speed of light in a vacuum, approximately 3.00×108m/s3.00 \times 10^8 \, \text{m/s},
  • ν (nu) is the frequency of the radiation (in Hertz, Hz),
  • λ (lambda) is the wavelength of the radiation (in meters, m).

Solving for Frequency

If you want to find the frequency (ν), you can rearrange the equation as:

ν=cλ\nu = \frac{c}{\lambda}

This shows that frequency is inversely proportional to wavelength. As the wavelength increases, the frequency decreases, and vice versa.


Would you like more details or have any questions about this?

Here are some relative questions to explore further:

  1. How do wavelength and frequency vary across the electromagnetic spectrum?
  2. How does the speed of light change in different mediums?
  3. What is the relationship between energy and frequency of radiation?
  4. How does wavelength affect the diffraction of waves?
  5. Can the wavelength of light be calculated if the frequency is given in a medium other than a vacuum?

Tip: Always ensure that the units of wavelength and speed match (e.g., meters per second for speed, meters for wavelength) when applying this equation to avoid calculation errors.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Wave Physics
Electromagnetic Radiation

Formulas

c = ν * λ
ν = c / λ

Theorems

Wave Equation for Light

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12