Wavenumber Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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wavenumber
[ˈweɪvˌnʌmbər ]
Definitions
spectroscopy
A unit of frequency in spectroscopy, equal to the number of complete cycles of a periodic wave that pass a given point in a unit of time.
Examples of usage
- The wavenumber of a spectral line is directly proportional to its frequency.
- Infrared spectroscopy often uses wavenumbers as a unit of measurement.
physics
The reciprocal of the wavelength of a wave, often used in the study of crystal structures and vibrational modes.
Examples of usage
- The wavenumber can be calculated by dividing the speed of light by the wavelength of the wave.
- Wavenumber is an important parameter in X-ray crystallography.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- In physics, wavenumber is inversely related to wavelength, meaning shorter wavelengths have higher wavenumbers.
- It's commonly used in spectroscopy to analyze molecules by measuring the frequencies of their vibrations.
Mathematics
- Wavenumber is often represented by the symbol 'k' and is calculated as the number of waves per unit distance, typically in meters.
- In mathematical terms, it is defined as the wave frequency divided by the speed of the wave.
Applications
- Wavenumber is crucial in fields like chemistry and physics for understanding light absorption and emission in various substances.
- It helps scientists identify different materials based on how they interact with light wavelengths.
Pop Culture
- The concept of wavenumber isn't often discussed in everyday life, but its principles are foundational in technologies like lasers and GPS.
- Popular science programs sometimes illustrate waves in nature, subtly introducing concepts like wavenumber in a relatable way.
Origin of 'wavenumber'
Main points about word origin
- The term combines 'wave', referring to the oscillations in mediums like water or air, and 'number', indicating how many times that wave occurs.
- It originated from the field of physics and has been used in various scientific disciplines since the early 20th century.
The term 'wavenumber' originated in the field of spectroscopy in the early 20th century to describe the frequency of a wave in terms of the number of complete cycles per unit distance. It has since been adopted in various branches of physics and engineering for its utility in analyzing wave phenomena. The concept of wavenumber plays a crucial role in understanding the behavior of waves in different mediums and has become an indispensable tool in scientific research and experimentation.
See also: airwaves, wave, wavelength, wavelet, wavelike, waver, wavering, wavy.