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Light Frequency Equation:
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The light frequency equation calculates the frequency of electromagnetic waves from wavelength and the speed of light. This fundamental relationship is crucial in optics, quantum mechanics, and telecommunications.
The calculator uses the frequency equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows the inverse relationship between frequency and wavelength - as wavelength increases, frequency decreases, and vice versa.
Details: Calculating light frequency is essential for understanding electromagnetic spectrum properties, designing optical systems, analyzing atomic spectra, and developing communication technologies.
Tips: Enter wavelength in meters and speed of light in meters per second. The speed of light is pre-filled with the standard value of 299,792,458 m/s. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?
A: Frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional - when one increases, the other decreases, maintaining a constant product equal to the speed of light.
Q2: What are typical frequency ranges for visible light?
A: Visible light frequencies range from approximately 430-750 THz (terahertz), corresponding to wavelengths of 400-700 nm.
Q3: Why is the speed of light constant in vacuum?
A: The speed of light in vacuum (c) is a fundamental constant of nature, approximately 299,792,458 m/s, and is the maximum speed at which information can travel.
Q4: How does frequency relate to energy?
A: According to Planck's equation (E = hf), energy is directly proportional to frequency, where h is Planck's constant.
Q5: Can this equation be used for all electromagnetic waves?
A: Yes, this equation applies to all electromagnetic radiation, from radio waves to gamma rays, as they all travel at the speed of light in vacuum.