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The
electromagnetic spectrum refers to a "map" of the different types
of radiant energy and their correlating wavelengths. There are usually
6 subdivisions (Radiowaves, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, x rays,
and gamma rays) of the electromagnetic spectrum.
As
can be seen, the visible part of the spectrum is actually very small
in relation to the other types of energy. From left to right, the
spectrum is showing an increase in energy. This increase in energy
correlates to the increase in frequency. Frequency holds an inverse
relation with wavelength.
* If
you can't see correcltly the symbols or don't understand the scientific
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Using
the equation, v = lf, where v = speed
(in this case of Light), l = wavelength,
and f = frequency, we can see this inverse relationship. The proper
unit for wavelength is meter (m), and for frequency is hertz (Hz).
The speed of Light, represented by v, is a constant, 3
x10^8 m/s. We can also calculate the frequency if the wavelength
is given, and the wavelength if the frequency is given.
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The Optics Course
Spectrum