## Calculating the wavelength of light

$c=\lambda v$

Karla_Ocampo 4E
Posts: 32
Joined: Tue Nov 21, 2017 3:01 am

### Calculating the wavelength of light

Hi everyone! Im studying chapter 1 (edition 6) and I came across example 1.1 which is calculating the wavelength of light of a known frequency.My question is: which numbers do i plug into the formula for C (the speed of light)? I know its 3 x 10^8 m/s but the example used 2.998 x 10^8 m/s. Is the more precise one better or it doesnt matter? Thanks!

annaspain
Posts: 32
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:24 am

### Re: Calculating the wavelength of light

The 2.998x10^8 value is technically more precise, however Professor Lavelle told us that it's ok to use 3x10^8 as the value for speed of light during lecture!

Yixiao Hu 3C
Posts: 45
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:19 am

### Re: Calculating the wavelength of light

it is both correct to use c=3x10*8or 2.998x10*8; the only difference is that the latter is more precise. I think in the exams you can use c=3x10*8 directly.

Sapna Ramappa 1J
Posts: 63
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:24 am

### Re: Calculating the wavelength of light

Either option would work for tests and/or homework, but 2.998 * 10^8 is more accurate! :)

yaosamantha4F
Posts: 31
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:29 am

### Re: Calculating the wavelength of light

Both are okay to use but 2.998*10^8 m/s will give you a more accurate answer!

305115396
Posts: 30
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:16 am

### Re: Calculating the wavelength of light

I think 2.998x10^8 is a better choice because it is ore accurate and aligns with the textbook

Abhi4F
Posts: 30
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:28 am

### Re: Calculating the wavelength of light

Both options are correct and can be used on the exam, but 2.998 x 10^8 will be more precise.

Kevin Arokiaraj 4E
Posts: 18
Joined: Wed Nov 15, 2017 3:03 am

### Re: Calculating the wavelength of light

Both are fine to use but 2.998 x 10^8 would give you the more precise answer.