The wavelength of the yellow light given off by a sodium vapor street lamp is 589 nm. What is the frequency of this light in hertz (s^-1)? A)5.09 × 10⁵ s^-1 B)5.09 × 10¹⁴ s^-1 C)1.96 × 10^-6 s^-1 D)1.96 × 10^-13 s^-1 E)1.77 × 10² s^-1

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The frequency (f) of electromagnetic radiation is related to its wavelength (λ) by the equation f=c/λ, where c is the speed of light (3.00 x 10^8 m/s). Converting 589 nm to meters, we get 5.89 x 10^-7 m. Plugging this into the equation gives f=3.00 x 10^8 m/s ÷ 5.89 x 10^-7 m = 5.09 x 10^14 Hz. The answer is closest to choice B.

The Wavelength of the Yellow Light Given Off by a Sodium