Question

Infrared radiation from young stars can pass through the heavy dust clouds surrounding them, allowing astronomers here on Earth to study the earliest stages of star formation, before a star begins to emit visible light. Suppose an infrared telescope is tuned to detect infrared radiation with a frequency of 1.61THz. Calculate the wavelength of the infrared radiation. Round your answer to 3 significant digits.

Answer 1

λ = 1.86 x 10⁻⁴ m = 186 μm

Step-by-step explanation:

The relationship between the wavelength and the frequency of a wave is given by the following equation:

`c = f\lambda\\\\\lambda = (c)/(f)`

where,

λ = wavelength of infrared radiation = ?

c = speed of infrared radiation = speed of light = 3 x 10⁸ m/s

f = frequency of infrared radiation = 1.61 THz = 1.61 x 10¹² Hz

Therefore,

`\lambda = (3\ x\ 10^8\ m/s)/(1.61\ x\ 10^(12)\ Hz)`

λ = 1.86 x 10⁻⁴ m = 186 μm