The Wavelength Tool

The concept of wavelength is a subtle yet profound concept for the nature of light. While we understand the difference between colors at a very young age, it is a much higher concept to appreciate that the only quantity that distinguishes radio waves from blue light and X-rays is the wavelength of the light. To promote an understanding of wavelength, we have designed a tool that enables students to produce light with an arbitrary wavelength. The easiest approach is to stretch/compress the wave with the mouse, which increases/decreases the wavelength. Altenatively, one can input a value (and a unit).

As the wavelength is modified, several aspects of the presentation change. In the upper right corner is a graphic which sets a reference point for the size of the current wavelength. The example at the top of the page shows the flu virus which has a diameter of roughly 1000 Angstroms. The example to the right shows an example of submm light.

										There is also a graphic showing a modern telescope that is used to study the light that the student has created. Included with the graphic is a brief description of the telescope and its key science areas. The example to the left shows X-ray light and the Chandra telescope.