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Wavelength Definition

Wavelength is the length of one wave measured from peak to peak. For example, higher wavelengths correspond to red.

View Lesson on Wave Reflection, Absorption & Transmittance
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Wave Reflection, Absorption & Transmittance

LESSON MATERIALSmove

Fun Facts

  • Higher wavelengths produce brighter colors, and lower wavelengths produce darker colors.
  • All waves have properties like wavelength, amplitude, and frequency.
  • White light contains all colors and when the visible wavelength is reflected, that color is seen.

Why Do We Need To Know About Wavelength

Learning about wavelengths helps us understand how we can use the sun’s energy and why solar panels are important for green energy. This knowledge helps make solar panels better at turning sunlight into electricity.

Knowing about wavelengths is useful in many areas. It helps make better sound in music studios, create sunglasses that protect our eyes from bad UV rays, and even helps in making better camera lenses and glasses. Understanding wavelengths is important for lots of things in our everyday life and in making new technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a sound wave different from a light wave?
Sound waves needs to travel through matter, but light does not need to travel through matter.
What happens when light is shined on an object?
Light can be absorbed, reflected, or transmitted through an object, depending on the object’s materials and the wavelength of light.
What properties do all waves have?
All waves have amplitude, wavelength, and frequency.
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