Max Frequency at the Speed of Light: Clarifying a Puzzling Concept

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between frequency and speed in light waves. The participants first question whether there is a maximum frequency due to the speed of light. They then consider the concept of light as a wave and how frequency and amplitude relate to its speed. The conversation also touches on the dual nature of light as a particle and wave, and how this affects its behavior. In the end, they conclude that the idea of a 60 Hz light wave traveling slower than a 1 Hz light wave at the same speed of light is illogical.
  • #1
TheAnalogKid
10
0
Hi, I have wanted to ask someone this for so long, but I know its stupid.

Is there a maximum frequency as a side effect of a maximum speed of light?
Thinking of light as a pure wave and at a fixed amplitude, it is going to have to travel the distance dictated by the amplitude and frequency, and as the frequency increases, its going to have to travel faster to reach that amplitude.

At infinite frequency, wouldn't the wave have to be at every amplitude at the same time?? This sounds impossible. It seems that the amplitude/frequency combination cannot result in a propagation speed faster than the speed of light. .

Can someone clarify this and tell me where my mind is stuck lol
 
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  • #2
Nope. The thing to understand is that light isn't a particle wobbling up and down. So amplitude is immediately irrelevant.
 
  • #3
well I'm aware of the dual nature of light as a particle/wave, although not too refreshed on it. But what does a frequency and amplitude mean to the light if it is not a particle??
 
  • #4
TheAnalogKid said:
well I'm aware of the dual nature of light as a particle/wave, although not too refreshed on it. But what does a frequency and amplitude mean to the light if it is not a particle??
In classical electromagnetism it's just a periodic oscillation in the strength of the electric and magnetic field vectors--see http://www.monos.leidenuniv.nl/smo/index.html?basics/light.htm , or look at the animated java applet here.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #5
ok thanks, this helps. And thinking about it now, a 60 Hz light wave would actually have to propagate slower than a 1Hz light wave, with both traveling at C by my reasoning, and that makes no sense.
 

FAQ: Max Frequency at the Speed of Light: Clarifying a Puzzling Concept

What is the meaning of "Max Frequency at the Speed of Light"?

The term "Max Frequency at the Speed of Light" refers to the maximum frequency of electromagnetic radiation that can travel at the speed of light in a vacuum. This is known as the speed of light constant, which is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second.

Why is the concept of "Max Frequency at the Speed of Light" puzzling?

The concept of "Max Frequency at the Speed of Light" can be puzzling because it goes against our intuition. We often think of frequency as something that can increase without limit, but according to the laws of physics, the frequency of electromagnetic radiation cannot exceed the speed of light. This is a fundamental principle that has been confirmed by numerous experiments.

How is "Max Frequency at the Speed of Light" related to the electromagnetic spectrum?

The electromagnetic spectrum is a range of all possible frequencies of electromagnetic radiation, from the lowest frequencies (radio waves) to the highest frequencies (gamma rays). The speed of light constant limits the maximum frequency of electromagnetic radiation, meaning that the higher the frequency, the more energy it carries.

Does "Max Frequency at the Speed of Light" have any practical applications?

Yes, the concept of "Max Frequency at the Speed of Light" has many practical applications. For example, it is used in communication technologies such as radio and satellite communications, where the frequency of electromagnetic radiation is carefully chosen to ensure that it can travel at the speed of light and reach its destination in a timely manner.

How does the speed of light constant affect our understanding of the universe?

The speed of light constant plays a crucial role in our understanding of the universe. It is a fundamental constant that governs the behavior of light and all forms of electromagnetic radiation. It also affects our understanding of space and time, as the speed of light is often used as a reference point for measuring distances and time intervals in space. Without this constant, our understanding of the universe and the laws of physics would be drastically different.

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