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Ch.5 - Periodicity & Electronic Structure of Atoms
Chapter 5, Problem 47

(c) What is the color of the light with = 450 nm?

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1
Identify the range of wavelengths for visible light, which is approximately 400 nm to 700 nm.
Determine where 450 nm falls within the visible light spectrum.
Recall the colors associated with different wavelength ranges: violet (400-450 nm), blue (450-495 nm), green (495-570 nm), yellow (570-590 nm), orange (590-620 nm), and red (620-750 nm).
Since 450 nm is at the boundary between violet and blue, consider the dominant color associated with this wavelength.
Conclude the color of light corresponding to 450 nm based on its position in the visible spectrum.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Wavelength and Color

The wavelength of light, measured in nanometers (nm), determines its color in the visible spectrum. Light with a wavelength of approximately 450 nm falls within the blue region of the spectrum, which ranges from about 450 to 495 nm. Understanding this relationship is crucial for identifying the color associated with specific wavelengths.
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Visible Spectrum

The visible spectrum is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be detected by the human eye, typically ranging from about 380 nm (violet) to 750 nm (red). Each color corresponds to a specific range of wavelengths, and knowing the visible spectrum helps in categorizing light based on its wavelength.
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Electromagnetic Spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum encompasses all types of electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, infrared, ultraviolet, and more. Each type of radiation is characterized by its wavelength and frequency. Understanding the broader electromagnetic spectrum provides context for where visible light fits and how it interacts with matter.
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