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Questions tagged [wavelength]

The wavelength of a sinusoidal wave is the spatial period of the wave—the distance over which the wave's shape repeats, and the inverse of the spatial frequency or wavenumber. Determined by considering the distance between consecutive corresponding points of the same phase, such as crests. Use for wavenumber, wavelength, frequency.

22 votes
3 answers
13k views

What is the minimum wavelength of electromagnetic radiation?

As a first approximation, I don't see how a wavelength of less than 2 Planck distances could exist. The question is: Are there any other limits that would come into play before that? For example: ...
BCS's user avatar
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5 votes
1 answer
350 views

Is the number of wavelengths of light spanning a distance invariant with respect to spacetime distortion?

I was recently asked by a friend how the expansion of spacetime affects photons. I gave him what I feel is a satisfactory general response, but it got me wondering how, exactly to calculate this ...
AdamRedwine's user avatar
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3 votes
0 answers
111 views

Optics: finding total power of a system, including wavelength

Specifically I need to create an ABCD matrix given 2 radii of curvatures, the thickness of the lens, type of glass (BK7) and a given wavelength. I will have to figure this out eventually, so help ...
user964069's user avatar
3 votes
3 answers
2k views

Does the wavelength always decrease in a medium?

I was studying a GRE Physics Test problem where optical light with a wavelength of 500 nm travels through a gas with refractive index $n$. If we look at the equations for wave motion and index ...
Timtam's user avatar
  • 870
17 votes
1 answer
35k views

Planck's Law in terms of wavelength

I am drawing a blank when it comes to equation transformation. Wikipedia gives two equations for the spectral radiance of black body: First as a function of frequency $\nu$: $$I(\nu, T) = \frac{2 h \...
Gleno's user avatar
  • 281
0 votes
1 answer
265 views

Merge different wavelength rays

Let's say an array of rays of light is given. Each ray has a specific wavelength (in the range of visible light). Example: ...
Iulius Curt's user avatar
6 votes
5 answers
19k views

Light emitted by an object according to its temperature

According to this picture the light emitted by an object depends on its temperature. That makes perfect sense when we heat a metal. As its temperature raises we see it red at first, then orange, ...
GetFree's user avatar
  • 1,291
3 votes
1 answer
453 views

Generated wavelength of free electron laser

Could you please help me understand how one can measure output frequency of free electron laser (provided that we know size of magnetic domains and electron energy)? This should be a function of ...
BarsMonster's user avatar
  • 2,409
3 votes
2 answers
1k views

Magnetron limits

What are the practical limits on generated wavelength in a Magnetron? We know that Magnetrons could be used efficiently for generating microwaves for water heating, or for radar applications, but ...
BarsMonster's user avatar
  • 2,409
11 votes
4 answers
5k views

Is there a light source that emits all wavelengths of visible light at the same time?

Many light sources like LEDs and lasers only emit a single wavelength of light. Is there a light source that emits all wavelengths of visible light at the same time?
user avatar
20 votes
7 answers
8k views

Why is air invisible?

I think that something is invisible if it's isolated particles are smaller than the wavelength of visible light. Is this correct? Why is air invisible? What about other gases and fumes which are ...
Kit's user avatar
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11 votes
6 answers
4k views

What causes polarised materials to change colour under stress?

Our physics teacher showed the class a really interesting demonstration. He used two polarised filters in opposite orientations, then he took some antistatic tape and stretched it under the two plates....
Thomas O's user avatar
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