Understanding the Relationship
* Electromagnetic Radiation: X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, which means they travel as waves.
* Wavelength and Frequency: The wavelength (λ) and frequency (ν) of electromagnetic radiation are inversely proportional. This means:
* A longer wavelength corresponds to a lower frequency.
* A shorter wavelength corresponds to a higher frequency.
* Speed of Light (c): All electromagnetic radiation travels at the speed of light (c), which is approximately 3.00 x 10⁸ m/s.
The Formula
The relationship between wavelength, frequency, and the speed of light is given by:
c = λν
Solving for Frequency
1. Rearrange the Formula: To find the frequency (ν), we need to isolate it:
ν = c / λ
2. Plug in the Values:
* c = 3.00 x 10⁸ m/s
* λ = 1.15 x 10⁻¹⁰ m (Make sure your wavelength is in meters!)
3. Calculate:
ν = (3.00 x 10⁸ m/s) / (1.15 x 10⁻¹⁰ m)
ν ≈ 2.61 x 10¹⁸ Hz (Hertz)
Answer:
The frequency of an X-ray with a wavelength of 1.15 x 10⁻¹⁰ meters is approximately 2.61 x 10¹⁸ Hz.
