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🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Concept understanding — Electromagnetic Wave Wavelength
What is Wavelength? The Intuition First
Imagine dropping a pebble into a still pond. Ripples spread outward — evenly spaced circles. The distance between two consecutive crests (the highest points) is what we call wavelength. It's the "repeat length" of the wave.
Now, electromagnetic waves are not water waves. They don't need a medium. But the same idea holds: an EM wave is a travelling disturbance in electric and magnetic fields. As it moves, the fields oscillate — they go up, down, up, down. The wavelength (λ, Greek letter lambda) is the distance over which the wave's shape repeats.
In a vacuum, all EM waves travel at the same speed: c=3×108 m/s. What changes from one wave to another is the wavelength (and its partner, frequency).
The Precise Definition
For a sinusoidal electromagnetic wave travelling in one direction, the electric field at a fixed instant of time looks like a sine curve in space. The wavelength λ is the spatial distance between two successive points that are in phase — for example, from one crest to the next crest, or from one trough to the next trough.
Mathematically, if the electric field at position x and time t is given by
E(x,t)=E0sin(kx−ωt)
then the wave number k is related to wavelength by
k=λ2π
So λ is the distance needed for the argument kx to change by 2π — one full cycle of the sine wave.
The Fundamental Relationship
The wavelength, frequency f, and speed c are tied together by a simple equation:
c=fλ
This is the wave equation for EM waves in vacuum. It means:
- If the wavelength is long, the frequency is low.
- If the wavelength is short, the frequency is high.
- The product is always c, a constant.
To remember: think of a marching band. If soldiers take long strides (large λ), they take fewer steps per second (low f). If they take short, quick steps (small λ), they take many steps per second (high f). The speed of the band is fixed — stride length × steps per second.
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Wavelength is what separates different kinds of EM radiation. Here's the spectrum from longest to shortest wavelength:
| Type of EM Wave | Approximate Wavelength Range |
|---|---|
| Radio waves | >0.1 m (up to km) |
| Microwaves | 1 mm to 0.1 m |
| Infrared | 700 nm to 1 mm |
| Visible light | 400 nm to 700 nm |
| Ultraviolet | 10 nm to 400 nm |
| X-rays | 0.01 nm to 10 nm |
| Gamma rays | <0.01 nm |
A common mistake: thinking that wavelength is the "size" of the wave. It's not. It's the repeat distance. A radio wave can have a wavelength of 1 km, but its amplitude (the strength of the field) might be tiny. Wavelength and amplitude are independent properties.
Why Wavelength Matters …
Concept: Electromagnetic Wave Wavelength — the wavenumber is the reciprocal of wavelength, and frequency is obtained from c=νλ.
Step 1: Convert wavelength to metres.
5800A˚=5800×10−10m=5.8×10−7m.
Step 2: Wavenumber νˉ is the reciprocal of wavelength in cm.
λ=5.8×10−5cm
νˉ=λ1=5.8×10−51=1.724×104cm−1. …
The wavenumber and frequency of electromagnetic radiation are directly linked to its wavelength. For yellow light with λ=5800A˚, the wavenumber is 1.724×106m−1 and the frequency is 5.17×1014Hz.
The key here is understanding what wavenumber and frequency actually represent for an electromagnetic wave. Wavenumber tells you how many wavelengths fit into a unit length — it’s the spatial frequency. Frequency tells you how many wave cycles pass a point per second. Both are derived from the wavelength, but they use different constants: wavenumber uses 1/λ, while frequency uses c/λ, where c is the speed of light.
A common mistake is mixing up units. Wavelength is given in angstroms (Å), but standard SI units require metres. So the first step is always conversion.
- Convert wavelength to metres. 1A˚=10−10m, so
λ=5800A˚=5800×10−10m=5.8×10−7m.
- Calculate the wavenumber (νˉ). Wavenumber is defined as the reciprocal of wavelength in metres:
νˉ=λ1.
Substituting:
νˉ=5.8×10−71=1.724×106m−1.
This means about 1.7 million waves of this yellow light fit into every metre.
Wavenumber is often expressed in cm−1 in spectroscopy. To get that, convert λ to cm first: λ=5.8×10−5cm, so νˉ=1/(5.8×10−5)≈17240cm−1. But the problem asks for SI units, so stick with m−1. …
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-09-AN1 markMCQQ.In hydrogen atom, electron is present in nx state. The energy of Lyman spectral line of hydrogen spectrum originated from nx state is 1.635×10−18 J. What is the approximate energy (in J) required to excite this electron from nx state to (nx+1) state? (A) 3×10−19 (B) 3×10−18 (C) 1.6×10−18 (D) 3×10−20
›Reveal solutionSolution
The Lyman line energy gives the principal quantum number nx; then the excitation energy from nx to nx+1 is found using the hydrogen energy-level formula. The answer is about 3×10−19 J.
The key idea is that every spectral line in hydrogen corresponds to a transition between two energy levels. The Lyman series involves transitions that end at n=1. The energy of the photon emitted equals the difference between the initial and final level energies. Once we know which level the electron started from, we can compute the energy needed to jump to the next higher level.
The energy of an electron in the nth orbit of hydrogen is
En=−n213.6 eV=−n22.18×10−18 J.
The Lyman line in question comes from a transition nx→1, so its energy is
ΔE=Enx−E1=−nx22.18×10−18−(−122.18×10−18)=2.18×10−18(1−nx21).
We are told this energy is 1.635×10−18 J. Let's find nx.
- Set up the equation
2.18×10−18(1−nx21)=1.635×10−18.
- Divide through by 2.18×10−18
1−nx21=2.181.635≈0.75.
- Solve for 1/nx2
nx21=1−0.75=0.25.
Hence nx2=4, so nx=2.
TipThe ratio 1.635/2.18 is exactly 3/4 if you do the precise division: 1.635÷2.18=0.75. That gives 1−1/nx2=3/4, so 1/nx2=1/4, and nx=2 immediately. No calculator needed.
So the electron is in the n=2 state. The question asks for the energy required to excite it from n=2 to n=3. …
- TG EAPCET 2026Set ap-2026-05-04-FN1 markMCQQ.The work function (W0) of metals A, B and C is 2.25, 2.42 and 3.7 eV respectively. These metals were irradiated with light of wavelength 400 nm. Identify the metals from which photoelectrons are emitted (h=6.6×10−34 Js; c=3×108 ms−1; 1 eV =1.6×10−19 J) (A) A & B only (B) A, B & C (C) A & C only (D) B & C only
›Reveal solutionSolution
Photoelectric emission occurs when the energy of incident photons exceeds the metal's work function. For light of 400 nm, the photon energy is approximately 3.09 eV, which is greater than the work functions of metals A (2.25 eV) and B (2.42 eV), but less than that of metal C (3.7 eV). Therefore, photoelectrons are emitted from metals A and B only.
The photoelectric effect describes the emission of electrons from a metal surface when light shines on it. This phenomenon is governed by the energy relationship between the incident light and the metal's properties.
The key concept here is that light consists of discrete packets of energy called photons. For an electron to be ejected from a metal, it must absorb a photon with sufficient energy to overcome the forces binding it to the metal. This minimum energy required is known as the work function (W0) of the metal.
The energy of a single photon (E) is given by:
E=hν=λhc
where h is Planck's constant, ν is the frequency of light, c is the speed of light, and λ is the wavelength of light.
For photoemission to occur, the energy of the incident photon (E) must be greater than or equal to the work function (W0) of the metal. If E<W0, no photoelectrons will be emitted, regardless of the intensity of the light.
We need to calculate the energy of the photons corresponding to the given wavelength and then compare this energy with the work functions of metals A, B, and C.
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Calculate the energy of the incident photons:
The wavelength of the incident light is given as λ=400 nm. We first convert this to meters:
λ=400×10−9 m
Now, we use the formula for photon energy:
E=λhc
Substitute the given values for Planck's constant (h), the speed of light (c), and the wavelength (λ):
E=400×10−9 m(6.6×10−34 Js)×(3×108 ms−1)
E=400×10−919.8×10−26 J
E=40019.8×10−17 J
E=0.0495×10−17 J
E=4.95×10−19 J
To compare this energy with the work functions, which are given in electron volts (eV), we convert the photon energy from Joules to eV using the conversion factor 1 eV =1.6×10−19 J:
EeV=1.6×10−19 J/eV4.95×10−19 J
EeV=1.64.95 eV
EeV=3.09375 eV …
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- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-02-AN1 markMCQQ.The electron in hydrogen atom undergoes transition from higher orbits to an orbit of radius 476.1 pm. This transition corresponds to which of the following series? (A) Lyman (B) Paschen (C) Balmer (D) Pfund
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key is to identify the series by the final orbit’s principal quantum number nf, which is determined from the given radius r=476.1 pm using the Bohr radius formula. The calculation shows nf=3, so the transition ends in the third orbit — this is the Paschen series. The correct option is (B).
The concept here is the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom, which gives a simple formula for the radius of an electron orbit:
rn=n2a0
where a0=52.9 pm (the Bohr radius) and n is the principal quantum number. Each spectral series corresponds to transitions ending at a specific nf:
- Lyman series: nf=1
- Balmer series: nf=2
- Paschen series: nf=3
- Pfund series: nf=5
So if we can find nf from the given radius, we immediately know the series.
- Write the radius formula The radius of the n-th orbit in hydrogen is:
rn=n2a0,a0=52.9 pm
- Plug in the given radius The problem states the final orbit has radius 476.1 pm. So:
nf2×52.9=476.1
- Solve for nf2
nf2=52.9476.1
Compute: 476.1÷52.9≈9.00 (since 52.9×9=476.1 exactly).
- Find nf
nf=9=3
- Identify the series …
- TG EAPCET 2025Set ap-2025-04-30-FN1 markMCQQ.Identify the correct statements I. In the visible spectrum, violet light has highest frequency and red light has lowest frequency. II. When white light is passed through a prism, violet light is deviated the most and red light is deviated the least. III. Hydrogen atoms in gas phase exhibit line spectrum. (A) I, II only (B) I, III only (C) II, III only (D) I, II, III
›Reveal solutionSolution
All three statements are correct: violet light has the highest frequency and red light the lowest in the visible spectrum; violet light is deviated most and red light least by a prism; and hydrogen atoms in the gas phase exhibit a line spectrum. The correct option is (D).
The question asks us to identify the correct statements regarding properties of light and atomic spectra. We need to evaluate each statement based on fundamental principles of optics and atomic physics.
Concept and Intuition
- Electromagnetic Spectrum: Light is an electromagnetic wave, characterized by its wavelength (λ) and frequency (f). These are related by the speed of light (c) in a vacuum: c=fλ. In the visible spectrum, different colors correspond to different wavelengths and frequencies.
- Dispersion of Light: When white light passes through a medium like a prism, it splits into its constituent colors. This phenomenon, called dispersion, occurs because the refractive index of the medium varies with the wavelength of light. Shorter wavelengths (like violet) generally experience a higher refractive index and thus greater deviation than longer wavelengths (like red).
- Atomic Spectra: Atoms, particularly in the gas phase, emit light when their electrons transition between discrete energy levels. Because these energy levels are quantized, the emitted light consists of specific, discrete wavelengths, forming a line spectrum rather than a continuous spectrum.
Let's evaluate each statement:
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Statement I: In the visible spectrum, violet light has highest frequency and red light has lowest frequency.
- The visible spectrum ranges approximately from 400 nm (violet) to 700 nm (red).
- The relationship between the speed of light (c), frequency (f), and wavelength (λ) is given by:
c=fλ
- From this, we can express frequency as f=c/λ.
- Since c is a constant, frequency is inversely proportional to wavelength.
- Violet light has the shortest wavelength in the visible spectrum (around 400 nm), so it will have the highest frequency.
- Red light has the longest wavelength in the visible spectrum (around 700 nm), so it will have the lowest frequency.
- Therefore, Statement I is correct.
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Statement II: When white light is passed through a prism, violet light is deviated the most and red light is deviated the least.
- When white light passes through a prism, it undergoes dispersion. This means different colors (wavelengths) of light are refracted by different amounts.
- The refractive index (n) of a material generally decreases as the wavelength (λ) of light increases. This phenomenon is known as normal dispersion.
- Violet light has a shorter wavelength than red light. Consequently, the refractive index of the prism material for violet light (nv) is greater than for red light (nr).
- The deviation (δ) produced by a prism is directly related to its refractive index. For a given prism angle, a higher refractive index leads to greater deviation.
- Since nv>nr, violet light will be deviated more than red light.
- Therefore, Statement II is correct. …
- TG EAPCET 2024Set ap-2024-05-07-AN1 markMCQQ.The diffraction pattern of a crystalline solid gave a peak at 2θ=60∘. Its 'd' value is 1.54 Å. What is the wavelength (in cm) of X-rays used? (sin30∘=0.5,sin60∘=0.866,n=1) (A) 1.54 (B) 8.89×10−9 (C) 1.54×108 (D) 1.54×10−8
›Reveal solutionSolution
Using Bragg’s law nλ=2dsinθ with n=1, d=1.54 A˚, and θ=30∘ (since 2θ=60∘), we find λ=1.54 A˚=1.54×10−8 cm. The correct option is (D).
The key concept is Bragg’s law, which relates the wavelength of X-rays to the spacing between crystal planes and the angle at which constructive interference (a diffraction peak) occurs. The law is:
nλ=2dsinθ
where:
- n is the order of reflection (given as 1),
- λ is the wavelength,
- d is the interplanar spacing,
- θ is the glancing angle — the angle between the incident X-ray beam and the crystal plane.
A classic pitfall: the problem gives 2θ=60∘, but Bragg’s law uses θ, not 2θ. So θ=30∘.
Now, step by step:
- Identify the glancing angle The diffraction peak occurs at 2θ=60∘. In X-ray diffraction, 2θ is the angle between the incident and diffracted beams. The angle used in Bragg’s law is θ, the angle the beam makes with the crystal plane. Hence:
θ=260∘=30∘
- Write Bragg’s law with given values We have n=1, d=1.54 A˚, and sin30∘=0.5. So:
1⋅λ=2×1.54 A˚×sin30∘
λ=2×1.54×0.5=1.54 A˚
- Convert the wavelength to centimetres The answer choices are in cm. Recall:
1 A˚=10−8 cm
Therefore:
- TG EAPCET 2022Set ap-2022-07-31-AN1 markMCQQ.Which of the following element is radio active in natural form? (A) Ar (B) Xe (C) Kr (D) Rn
›Reveal solutionSolution
Among the noble gases, only radon exists exclusively as radioactive isotopes in nature because all its isotopes have unstable nuclei that undergo spontaneous decay. The answer is (D) Rn.
The key to this question lies in understanding nuclear stability. Elements are radioactive when their nuclei are unstable and spontaneously emit radiation to reach a more stable configuration. For most lighter elements, stable isotopes exist alongside any radioactive ones. But as atomic number increases, the proton-proton repulsion in the nucleus grows so strong that no arrangement of neutrons can produce a stable configuration.
Radon sits at atomic number 86, well into the region where nuclear forces can no longer hold nuclei together indefinitely. Every single isotope of radon is radioactive—there are no stable forms whatsoever.
Let me walk through each noble gas:
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Argon (Ar, Z = 18) has three naturally occurring isotopes: 36Ar, 38Ar, and 40Ar. The first two are completely stable. 40Ar is the dominant isotope (99.6% abundance) and is also stable, though it happens to be the decay product of radioactive 40K.
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Krypton (Kr, Z = 36) has six stable isotopes (78Kr, 80Kr, 82Kr, 83Kr, 84Kr, 86Kr) that make up natural krypton. While radioactive isotopes of krypton exist (like 85Kr from nuclear fission), the element in its natural form is predominantly stable.
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Xenon (Xe, Z = 54) has nine stable isotopes. Natural xenon is a mixture of these stable forms, though trace amounts of radioactive 127Xe can appear from cosmic-ray interactions. …
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