Ch.6 - Electronic Structure of Atoms

Problem 20d

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Chapter 6, Problem 20d

(d) What distance does electromagnetic radiation travel in 0.38 ps?

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand that the speed of light (c) is the speed at which all electromagnetic radiation travels. The speed of light is a constant, approximately 3.00 x 10^8 meters per second (m/s).

Step 2: Convert the time from picoseconds (ps) to seconds (s) since the speed of light is in meters per second. 1 picosecond is equal to 1 x 10^-12 seconds.

Step 3: Use the formula for distance in physics, which is distance = speed x time. In this case, the speed is the speed of light (c) and the time is the time given in the problem, but converted to seconds.

Step 4: Substitute the values into the formula. The speed of light (c) is 3.00 x 10^8 m/s and the time is the given time in seconds.

Step 5: Calculate the distance by multiplying the speed of light by the time. This will give you the distance the electromagnetic radiation travels in the given time.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Speed of Light

The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 3.00 x 10^8 meters per second (m/s). This constant speed is fundamental in understanding how electromagnetic radiation propagates through space. When calculating the distance traveled by light over a specific time interval, this speed is used as the basis for the calculation.

Time Conversion

In this context, time is given in picoseconds (ps), where 1 picosecond equals 10^-12 seconds. Understanding how to convert time units is essential for accurately calculating distances in physics. For example, to find the distance light travels in 0.38 ps, one must first convert this time into seconds before applying the speed of light.

Distance Calculation

Distance traveled by electromagnetic radiation can be calculated using the formula: distance = speed × time. By substituting the speed of light and the converted time into this equation, one can determine how far light travels in the specified time interval. This concept is crucial for solving problems related to wave propagation and electromagnetic theory.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Label each of the following statements as true or false. a. The frequency of radiation increases as the wavelength increases. b. Electromagnetic radiation travels through a vacuum at a constant speed, regardless of wavelength. c. Infrared light has higher frequencies than visible light. d. The glow from a fireplace, the energy within a microwave oven, and a foghorn blast are all forms of electromagnetic radiation.

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Textbook Question

Arrange the following kinds of electromagnetic radiation in order of increasing wavelength: infrared light, green light, red light, radio waves, X rays, ultraviolet light.

Textbook Question

(a) What is the frequency of radiation that has a wavelength of 10 µm, about the size of a bacterium?

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Textbook Question

A laser pointer used in a lecture hall emits light at 650 nm. What is the frequency of this radiation?

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Textbook Question

A laser pointer used in a lecture hall emits light at 650 nm. Using Figure 6.4, predict the color associated with this wavelength.

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Textbook Question

It is possible to convert radiant energy into electrical energy using photovoltaic cells. Assuming equal efficiency of conversion, would infrared or ultraviolet radiation yield more electrical energy on a per-photon basis?

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