Have Fun with Light and Colors!

Colors are not just visually appealing but also have fascinating scientific explanations. The visible light spectrum contains colors ranging from violet to red, each having a specific wavelength. When light waves travel through space, they exhibit a property known as frequency, which is the number of complete oscillations per second. The frequency of light determines its color perception to the human eye.

To calculate the frequency of light with a particular wavelength, we use the formula f = c / λ, where f is the frequency, c is the speed of light (approximately 3.0 × 10^8 m/s in a vacuum), and λ is the wavelength in meters. By applying this formula, we can determine the frequency of light corresponding to a given wavelength.

For example, let's say we have a wavelength of 500 nm. To calculate the frequency of light with this wavelength:

Convert the wavelength from nanometers to meters: 500 nm × 1 × 10^-9 m/nm = 5.00 × 10^-7 m

Apply the formula to find the frequency: f = 3.0 × 10^8 m/s / 5.00 × 10^-7 m = 6.00 × 10^14 Hz

By understanding the relationship between wavelength and frequency, we can appreciate the diverse colors present in the visible light spectrum. It's amazing how a simple calculation can unveil the mysteries of light and colors around us! So next time you gaze at a rainbow or enjoy a beautiful sunset, remember the science behind the captivating colors!