To calculate the average frequency of the light in the cosmic microwave background, use the equation c = fλ, where c is the speed of light, f is the frequency, and λ is the wavelength. The correct answer is a) 1.58 × 10^14 Hz.
The frequency of electromagnetic radiation is determined by the equation c = fλ, where c is the speed of light, f is the frequency, and λ is the wavelength. To calculate the average frequency of the light in the cosmic microwave background (CMB), we can rearrange the equation to solve for f.
The speed of light, c, is approximately 3 × 10^8 meters per second. The average wavelength of the CMB is given as 1.9 mm, which can be converted to meters as 1.9 × 10^-3 meters. Plugging these values into the equation, we get f = c / λ = (3 × 10^8) / (1.9 × 10^-3) = 1.58 × 10^14 Hz.
Therefore, the correct answer is a) 1.58 × 10^14 Hz.
The complete question is-
The cosmic microwave background, the electromagnetic radiation from the Big Bang, has an average wavelength of 1.9mm. Calculate the average frequency of the light in the cosmic microwave background. a) 1.58×10^14 Hz b) 1.58×10^ 11 Hz c) 5.26×10 ^11 Hz d) 5.26×10 ^14 Hz