Yellow light emitted from a sodium lamp has a wavelength (λ) of 580 nm. Calculate the frequency (ν) and wave number of the yellow light.

Given:

Wavelength of Yellow Light = 580 nm.


To Find Frequency of the light:


We know the following basic relation,


Speed of Light = [Frequency] × [Wavelength]


We know speed of light = 3×108 m/s


Frequency, v = [3×108] / [580 × 10-9]


v = 5.17×1014 Hz


Wave Number is defined as the number of wavelengths which can be accommodated in one centimetre of length in the direction of propagation.


Wave Number for Yellow Light = [1] / [λ]


= [1] / [580 × 10-9]


= 1.7 × 106 m-1


Therefore, the frequency of yellow light is 5.17×1014 Hz and the wave number of yellow light is 1.7 × 106 m-1


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