Light energy travels through space as electromagnetic radiation, exhibiting both particle and wave characteristics. In a vacuum, light moves at a speed of 3.00 × 108 meters per second, known as the speed of light. This dual nature of light is essential for understanding electromagnetic radiation and its behavior.
When considering the wave aspect, a light wave consists of crests and troughs. The crest is the highest point of the wave, while the trough is the lowest. The distance between consecutive crests or troughs defines the wavelength, represented by the Greek letter lambda (λ). Wavelength is measured in meters and indicates the spatial period of the wave.
Frequency, denoted by the Greek letter mu (μ), refers to the number of wave cycles that pass a given point per second. It is expressed in hertz (Hz), which is equivalent to seconds inverse (s-1). For example, if three waves pass a point in one second, the frequency is 3 Hz. Understanding both wavelength and frequency is crucial for grasping the properties of light energy and its role in electromagnetic radiation.
In summary, the relationship between wavelength and frequency is described by the equation:
c = λ × μ
where c is the speed of light, λ is the wavelength, and μ is the frequency. This equation illustrates how these two properties are interconnected, providing a comprehensive understanding of light energy in the context of electromagnetic radiation.