What is the speed of an electromagnetic wave having a frequency of 1.33 x (10 to the 17th power) Hz and a wavelength of 2.25 nm? Isn't it supposed to be 3 x (10 to the 8th power)? Please help and thanks :)
2007-11-14 15:40:32 · 4 answers · asked by R3B3LL10N 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
velocity = frequency x wavelength
or
v = ƒ x λ
where ƒ = 1.33 x 10^17 s^-1
and λ = 2.25 nm = 2.25 x 10^9 m
so that
v = (1.33 x 10^17 s^-1) x (2.25 x 10^-9 m) = 2.99 x 10^8 m/s
the actual speed of the electromagnetic radiation depends on the medium it's traveling through....
2007-11-14 15:56:34 · answer #1 · answered by Dr W 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Remember when you multiply numbers with exponents the exponents add/subtract depending on the sign.
1.33 x 10^17 x 2.25 x 10 ^-9 = 2.99 x 10^(17-9) = 2.99 x 10^8
2007-11-14 23:52:31 · answer #2 · answered by Flying Dragon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is correct...all electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed of 3x (10 to the 8th power) m/s.
2007-11-14 23:50:09 · answer #3 · answered by taygeek09 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well no, you have to remember that the answer comes out to be 2.99, but according to the rule of significant figures the least amount you are supposed to have in this problem is 3,but you rounded giving you only 1 significant figure.
2007-11-14 23:55:31 · answer #4 · answered by Aaron 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋