Question

How can I calculate the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation?

Answer 1

In order to calculate the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation, we must have an idea about what an electromagnetic radiation is. The electromagnetic radiation is said to be the waves of the electromagnetic field which is propagating in space and carrying the radiant energy. These waves include X-rays, radio waves, ultraviolet rays, infrared light, gamma rays and microwaves.

Complete answer:
Let us understand about electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation is said to be the waves of the electromagnetic field which is propagating in space and carrying the radiant energy. These waves include X-rays, radio waves, ultraviolet rays, infrared light, gamma rays and microwaves. When an electromagnetic charged particle undergoes oscillation, it will emit the electromagnetic waves. This wave will interact with other charged particles by exerting force on them. Electromagnetic waves will be carrying the energy and momentum from the source particles and will impart that on the matter which will interact with them.
We can calculate the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation by using the following formula
$c = \lambda \nu$…… (1)
Where c is the velocity of light
$\lambda$is the wavelength of the light
$\nu$ is the frequency of light.
We can rearrange the equation (1) as
$\lambda = \dfrac{c}{\nu }$

Note:
Let us see some of the applications of the electromagnetic waves such as:
- The microwaves and the radio waves are very useful for mobile communication, television and radio.
- The X-rays are useful to detect the deformities of the bones.
- The gamma rays are very important for preparing nuclear medicines.
- The high UV rays will have energies to ionize the atoms and cause the chemical reaction.