Question

Which has the lower frequency: red light or green light?

Short answer

Red light has the lower frequency compared to green light.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Frequency and Wavelength

Frequency is the number of waves that pass a point in one second, and it is inversely proportional to wavelength. Higher frequency corresponds to shorter wavelength and vice versa. In the visible light spectrum, red light has longer wavelengths compared to green light.

Comparing Light Wavelengths

Red light has a wavelength range of approximately 620-750 nm while green light has a wavelength range of about 495-570 nm.

Applying the Inverse Relationship

Given the inverse relationship between wavelength and frequency, red light, with its longer wavelength compared to green light, will have a lower frequency.

Key concepts

Wavelength

Wavelength is a key concept in understanding the properties of light. It refers to the distance between consecutive crests or troughs in a wave.

• The wavelength is usually measured in nanometers (nm).
• In the context of light, it determines its color within the visible spectrum.

Red light, for example, has a longer wavelength ranging from about 620 to 750 nm. In contrast, green light occupies a shorter wavelength range of 495 to 570 nm. By understanding these measurements, we can relate them to different frequencies and colors we see around us. The concept of wavelength is not only critical for characterizing light but also for numerous applications, ranging from telecommunications to understanding electromagnetic waves.

Visible Light Spectrum

The visible light spectrum includes all the wavelengths of light that the human eye can perceive. This spectrum is often displayed as a rainbow of colors ranging from violet to red, with each color corresponding to a different range of wavelengths.

• Violet and blue light have shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies.
• Red light has the longest wavelengths in the visible spectrum, resulting in a lower frequency.
• Green light sits somewhere in the middle of the spectrum.

This spectrum is just a small portion of the entire electromagnetic spectrum, which encompasses all possible wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. Understanding where different colors fall within the visible light spectrum helps us appreciate why objects have certain colors and can even hint at the energy they possess.

Inverse Relationship

When exploring the concepts of frequency and wavelength, it's essential to grasp the idea of an inverse relationship. This means that as one value increases, the other decreases, and vice versa.

• For light waves, a shorter wavelength means higher frequency.
• Conversely, a longer wavelength indicates a lower frequency.

This idea explains why red light (with a longer wavelength) has a lower frequency compared to green light (with a shorter wavelength). Understanding this inverse relationship is crucial, as it not only applies to visible light but also other types of waves, such as sound waves. The relationship guides how we interpret various wave-based technologies, influencing both scientific exploration and everyday technological applications.