The frequency of electromagnetic radiation (light) refers to the number of wave-cycles of an electromagnetic wave that pass a given point in a given amount of time.
- The term frequency refers to the measurement of the frequency with which wave-cycles pass a given point in a given amount of time.
- Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz). One Hertz is one wave-cycle per second. Sub-units of Herz allow for situations in which many wave-cycles are measured per second.
- The wavelength and frequency of light are closely related. The shorter the wavelength the higher the frequency.
- The frequency of a wave should not be confused with the speed at which the wave travels or the distance it travels.
- The amount of energy transported by a light wave increases with the frequency of its oscillations and as the length of each oscillation (wavelength) decreases.
Related diagrams
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References
The frequency of electromagnetic radiation (light) refers to the number of wave-cycles of an electromagnetic wave that pass a given point in a given amount of time.