Speed of Light

The electromagnetic spectrum is the range of all possible frequencies of electromagnetic radiation, and extends from ?-radiation at around 10²³ Hz, through x-rays (ca 10¹⁹ Hz), ultraviolet light (ca 10¹⁵ Hz), visible light (ca 10¹⁴ Hz), infrared (ca 10¹³ Hz), and microwaves (ca 10⁹ Hz), to radio waves (10⁷ Hz). The different types of wave are all related by the equation:

velocity (v) = frequency (f) x wavelength (λ)

Thus if we know, or can measure, any two of these quantities, we can calculate the third. In this experiment we will measure the wavelength of microwaves in a microwave oven, and by looking at the specification printed on the back of the oven we will find out the frequency. With these two data we can calculate the speed of the microwaves, which is the speed of light.

To read more click here to download Dr Hal's fact sheet on Speed of Light (900kb pdf file)