Question

An electromagnetic wave has a wavelength of 0.12 meters. what is that in nanometers?

someone please explain how this equation would work/end up. I've done it over and over and I can't get the right answer.

Answer 1

1.2 × 10⁸ m

Step-by-step explanation:

You want to convert metres to nanometres.

Recall that the multiplying prefix nano- means × 10⁻⁹, so

1 nm = 1 × 10⁻⁹ m

The conversion factor is either
`\frac{\text{1 nm} }{10^(-9) \text{m}}` or
`\frac{10^(-9) \text{m} }{\text{1 nm}}`.

You choose the one that has the desired units (nm) on top. Then

`\lambda = \text{0.12 m} * \frac{\text{1 nm} }{10^(-9) \text{m}} = 1.2 * 10^(8) \text{ nm}`