1. What is a Frequency of Light Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the frequency of electromagnetic radiation (light) based on its wavelength and the speed of light.

Purpose: It helps physicists, engineers, and students understand the relationship between wavelength and frequency in electromagnetic waves.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( f \) — Frequency (Hertz, Hz)
• \( c \) — Speed of light (meters/second, default 3 × 10⁸ m/s)
• \( \lambda \) — Wavelength (meters)

Explanation: The speed of light is divided by the wavelength to determine how many wave cycles occur per second.

3. Importance of Frequency Calculation

Details: Frequency determines many properties of light including its color (for visible light), energy, and how it interacts with matter.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the wavelength in meters and the speed of light (default 300,000,000 m/s). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the typical wavelength range for visible light?
A: Visible light ranges from about 380 nm (violet) to 750 nm (red), or 3.8 × 10⁻⁷ to 7.5 × 10⁻⁷ meters.

Q2: Why is the speed of light constant?
A: In a vacuum, light always travels at approximately 299,792,458 m/s, a fundamental constant of nature.

Q3: How does frequency relate to energy?
A: Energy is directly proportional to frequency (E = hf, where h is Planck's constant).

Q4: Can I use this for other electromagnetic waves?
A: Yes, this formula works for all EM radiation from radio waves to gamma rays.

Q5: What if my wavelength is in nanometers?
A: Convert to meters first (1 nm = 10⁻⁹ m) before calculation.