Friday, April 8, 2016

electromagnetism - Have we really measured the wavelength of light?



Have we practically measured the distances between the variations of electromagnetic radiations in space in nanometers or is it just theoritical because of calculations?


Also the one who have marked duplicate i didn't understand the answer so please anyone who can answer please explain in simple language as well as less mathematical notions.



Answer




Using a process called interference, we can find wavelength, because the way that waves interfere is reliant of wavelength. Interference is based off of two key principles of waves: they are made up of peaks and troughs. When troughs overlap, they go lower. When peaks overlap, thy go higher. When a peak meets a trough, they cancel. Of course, the positions of waves and troughs is dependent on wavelength, therefore, one can calculate the wavelength by looking at the interference pattern. As you can see in the picture, using two waves, we can find wavelength.enter image description here


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