Question

If a light ray has a frequency of \(5.0 \times 10^{14} \mathrm{Hz}\), in which region of the electromagnetic spectrum is it located? (A) X -ray (B) UV (C) Visible (D) Infrared

Short answer

The light ray is in the Visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Problem

Determine the region of the electromagnetic spectrum where a light ray with a frequency of \(5.0 \times 10^{14} \mathrm{Hz}\) belongs.

Review the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Familiarize yourself with the frequency ranges of different regions in the electromagnetic spectrum: - X-rays: \(10^{16} \mathrm{Hz} - 10^{20} \mathrm{Hz} \)- UV: \(10^{15} \mathrm{Hz} - 10^{16} \mathrm{Hz} \)- Visible light: \(4.3 \times 10^{14} \mathrm{Hz} - 7.5 \times 10^{14} \mathrm{Hz} \)- Infrared: \(10^{11} \mathrm{Hz} - 4.3 \times 10^{14} \mathrm{Hz} \)

Compare the Frequency

Compare the given frequency of \(5.0 \times 10^{14} \mathrm{Hz}\) to the frequency ranges listed. The frequency \(5.0 \times 10^{14} \mathrm{Hz} \) falls within the visible light range of \(4.3 \times 10^{14} \mathrm{Hz} - 7.5 \times 10^{14} \mathrm{Hz} \).

Conclusion

Based on the comparison, the light ray with a frequency of \(5.0 \times 10^{14} \mathrm{Hz}\) is located in the Visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Key concepts

Frequency Ranges

To better understand where light falls within the electromagnetic spectrum, it's important to know the frequency ranges of different types of electromagnetic radiation. Frequency describes how many waves pass a point in one second, measured in Hertz (Hz). Each type of radiation has its unique range:

• X-rays: These have extremely high frequencies ranging from \(10^{16} \mathrm{Hz} \) to \(10^{20} \mathrm{Hz} \). They are used in medical imaging.
• Ultraviolet (UV) rays: These have frequencies ranging from \(10^{15} \mathrm{Hz} \) to \(10^{16} \mathrm{Hz} \). UV rays are responsible for causing sunburn.
• Visible Light: This is the range that human eyes can see, spanning from \(4.3 \times 10^{14} \) to \(7.5 \times 10^{14} \mathrm{Hz} \).
• Infrared (IR) radiation: Frequencies range from \(10^{11} \mathrm{Hz} \) to \(4.3 \times 10^{14} \mathrm{Hz} \). IR radiation is felt as heat.

Understanding these ranges helps determine where specific frequencies of light belong in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Visible Light

Visible light is the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that humans can see. This light consists of different colors, each having a specific wavelength and frequency. The visible spectrum ranges between \(4.3 \times 10^{14} \mathrm{Hz} \) and \(7.5 \times 10^{14} \mathrm{Hz} \).

Colors of visible light:
• Red: Longest wavelength, lowest frequency
• Orange
• Yellow
• Green
• Blue
• Indigo
• Violet: Shortest wavelength, highest frequency

So, if a light ray has a frequency of \(5.0 \times 10^{14} \mathrm{Hz} \), it falls within the visible range, specifically between red and green.

Electromagnetic Radiation

Electromagnetic radiation encompasses all types of radiation emitted by electromagnetic processes. It includes a wide range of frequencies and wavelengths, all traveling at the speed of light in a vacuum. Here are the key types of electromagnetic radiation in the spectrum:

• Radio waves: Longest wavelength, lowest frequency. Used in communication.
• Microwaves: Used in cooking and certain communications.
• Infrared: Felt as heat.
• Visible Light: The only part visible to the human eye.
• Ultraviolet: Can cause sunburn; used in sterilization.
• X-rays: Used in medical imaging.
• Gamma rays: Highest frequency, used in cancer treatment.

Each type of electromagnetic radiation has its own frequency range and applications in our daily lives.