wavelength /wave·length/ (λ) (wāv´length) the distance between the top of one wave and the identical phase of the succeeding one
wavelength,
wavelength,
wave·length (w v l ngkth , -lngth)n. Symbol  The distance between one peak or crest of a wave of light, heat, or other energy and the next corresponding peak or crest. |
wavelength,
the distance between a given point on one wave cycle and the corresponding point on the next successive wave cycle. A pure color is produced by light of a specific wavelength. Electromagnetic waves of different wavelengths account for many of the transmission characteristics of radio and television.
wavelength,
n the distance between the peaks of waves in any wave form, such as light, roentgen rays, and other electromotive forms. In electromagnetic radiation, the wavelength is equal to the velocity of light divided by the frequency of the wave.
wavelength, effective,
n the wavelength that would produce the same penetration as an average of the various wavelengths in a heterogeneous bundle of roentgen rays.
wavelength
the distance between the top of one wave and the identical phase of the succeeding one in the advance of waves of radiant energy.
wavelength
Distance in the direction of propagation of a periodic wave between two successive points at the same position in the wave (e.g. the distance between two crests). Symbol: λ. Note 1: The wavelength in a medium is equal to the wavelength in vacuum divided by the refractive index of the medium. Unless otherwise stated, values of wavelength are generally those in air. The refractive index of standard air (15ºC, 101 325 N/m2) lies between 1.00027 and 1.00029 for visible radiations. Note 2: The reciprocal of the wavelength is called the wave number. Note 3: The wavelength is longer for red light than for blue light. Wavelength λ is equal to
λ = c/v
where c is the velocity of light and v is the frequency of light. (Fig. W1) See fluorescence; infrared; interferometer; light; phase; Bezold-Brücke phenomenon; electromagnetic spectrum; ultraviolet; wave theory.)
Fig. W1 Wavelength of light in air and in a medium of refractive index n1 and n2, respectively (λ2 = λ1/n2)
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