Does Wavelength Times Frequency Determine Speed of Light?

In summary, the speed of electromagnetic radiation is represented by the constant 'c', which is often referred to as the speed of light. This includes all forms of electromagnetic radiation, not just visible light. Therefore, it would also be acceptable to refer to 'c' as the speed of gamma or infrared radiation. However, the statement that visible light and gamma rays have the same speed in a vacuum is not true.
  • #1
bonjour
32
0
equals speed?

I only ask as I couldn't find a solid answer online.
 
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  • #3
Isn't calling C the speed of light in e=mc2 misleading as light is a specific part of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum.

Shouldn't C be the speed ot the electromagnetic radiation spectrum
 
  • #4
Since all forms of electromagnetic radiation have the same speed in a vacuum, calling 'c' the speed of light is OK. Often all wavelengths, not just the visible, are referred to as 'light'.
 
  • #5
Right so then there would also be no objection to calling C the speed of gamma, or speed of infrared?
 
  • #6
bonjour said:
Right so then there would also be no objection to calling C the speed of gamma, or speed of infrared?
Sure. No problem. All the same. Just calling it the 'speed of light' is more generic, though.
 
  • #7
http://www.chacha.com/question/how-does-the-speed-of-visible-light-compare-with-the-speed-of-gamma-rays-when-both-speeds-are-measured-in-a-vacum

Is this true?
 
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  • #8
bonjour said:
http://www.chacha.com/question/how-does-the-speed-of-visible-light-compare-with-the-speed-of-gamma-rays-when-both-speeds-are-measured-in-a-vacum

Is this true?
Nope.
 
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FAQ: Does Wavelength Times Frequency Determine Speed of Light?

What is the equation for wavelength times frequency?

The equation for wavelength times frequency is λ x ƒ = c, where λ represents the wavelength in meters, ƒ represents the frequency in Hertz, and c represents the speed of light in a vacuum (299,792,458 meters per second).

How are wavelength and frequency related?

Wavelength and frequency are inversely related - as the wavelength increases, the frequency decreases, and vice versa. This is known as the inverse relationship of wavelength and frequency.

Why is the product of wavelength and frequency equal to the speed of light?

This is because all electromagnetic waves, including light, travel at the same speed in a vacuum. Therefore, the product of their wavelength and frequency must equal the speed of light to maintain this constant speed.

What is the unit of measurement for wavelength times frequency?

The unit of measurement for wavelength times frequency is meters per second (m/s), which is the unit for speed or velocity.

How is wavelength times frequency used in science?

Wavelength times frequency is an important concept in the study of electromagnetic waves and is used in various fields of science, such as optics, astronomy, and telecommunications. It is used to calculate the energy and properties of electromagnetic radiation and is also used in the design of technologies such as radios, lasers, and satellite communications.

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