Table of contents

9. Quantum Mechanics

Wavelength and Frequency

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Multiple Choice

What is the frequency of a helium-neon laser light with a wavelength of 632.8 nm? The speed of light is 3.00 x 10^8 m/s.

4.74 x 10^14 Hz

2.12 x 10^14 Hz

5.67 x 10^14 Hz

3.00 x 10^14 Hz

Verified step by step guidance

Start by understanding the relationship between the speed of light, wavelength, and frequency. The formula to use is:

c = λ \cdot ν

, where

c

is the speed of light,

λ

is the wavelength, and

ν

is the frequency.

Rearrange the formula to solve for frequency:

ν = \frac{c}{λ}

. This equation shows that frequency is equal to the speed of light divided by the wavelength.

Convert the wavelength from nanometers to meters to match the units of the speed of light. Since 1 nm = 1 x 10^-9 m, the wavelength in meters is:

632.8 \times 10^{- 9}

Substitute the values into the rearranged formula:

ν = \frac{3.00 \times 10^{8}}{632.8 \times 10^{- 9}}

Calculate the frequency using the substituted values. This will give you the frequency of the helium-neon laser light in hertz (Hz).

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