The Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia—the world's largest steerable radio telescope—detects frequencies from 290 MHz to 90 GHz. What region or regions of the electro-magnetic spectrum are found completely or partially within its detection range?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the range of frequencies detected by the Green Bank Telescope: 290 MHz to 90 GHz.
2. Convert these frequencies into wavelengths using the formula \( \lambda = \frac{c}{f} \), where \( c \) is the speed of light (approximately \( 3 \times 10^8 \) m/s).
3. Calculate the wavelength corresponding to 290 MHz and 90 GHz to determine the range in terms of wavelength.
4. Compare the calculated wavelength range with the known regions of the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., radio waves, microwaves, infrared, etc.).
5. Determine which regions of the electromagnetic spectrum fall completely or partially within the calculated wavelength range.

Key Concepts

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum encompasses all types of electromagnetic radiation, which vary in wavelength and frequency. It ranges from radio waves, with the longest wavelengths, to gamma rays, with the shortest. Understanding this spectrum is crucial for identifying which types of radiation fall within specific frequency ranges, such as those detected by the Green Bank Telescope.

Radio Waves

Radio waves are a type of electromagnetic radiation with frequencies typically ranging from about 3 kHz to 300 GHz. They are used in various applications, including communication and astronomy. The Green Bank Telescope primarily detects radio waves, making it essential to recognize their frequency range to understand what the telescope can observe.

Microwave Region

The microwave region of the electromagnetic spectrum lies between radio waves and infrared radiation, covering frequencies from about 300 MHz to 300 GHz. This region is significant for various technologies, including radar and satellite communications. The Green Bank Telescope's detection range includes parts of the microwave region, allowing it to study astronomical phenomena that emit radiation in these frequencies.