Wavelength
Definition
Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs in a wave. It determines color for visible light.
Analogy
Imagine waves on the beach coming in one after another. The distance from one crest (the highest point) of the wave to the next crest is what we call wavelength.
Related terms
Amplitude: This is half the height from peak to trough in any given wave. In our beach analogy, this would be equivalent to how high each wave rises above calm sea level before crashing down again.
Period: The time taken for one complete cycle or wave oscillation to occur. Like waiting for each successive wave on our imaginary beach!
Wave speed: The speed at which waves travel through space - think about how fast those ocean waves are rolling onto shore.
"Wavelength" appears in:
Subjects (3)
Practice Questions (4)
What is the wavelength of a photon that has an energy of 1.55x10^-19 J?
What happens to the wavelength of a photon after it collides with an electron?
Calculate the wavelength of light that has a frequency of 1.5x10^15 Hz.
An analyte at a concentration of 5.0x10^-3 M gives an absorbance of 0.50 at a specific wavelength and a cell path length of 1.00 cm. What is the molar absorptivity?
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