Physics
Physics
Problem
A spectral line at is observed. (a) State whether this wavelength is longer or shorter than that of yellow light. (b) Identify the color associated with the line.Intuitive explanation
The visible spectrum runs from about 380 nm (violet) to 750 nm (red), with yellow around 570–590 nm. To answer both parts, you just need to locate 500 nm on this spectrum and compare it to yellow's position. Shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy and shift the color toward the blue-green end, while longer wavelengths shift toward red.
Intuitive explanation
The visible spectrum runs from about 380 nm (violet) to 750 nm (red), with yellow around 570–590 nm. To answer both parts, you just need to locate 500 nm on this spectrum and compare it to yellow's position. Shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy and shift the color toward the blue-green end, while longer wavelengths shift toward red.