Science, Tech, Math Science Convert Wavelength to Frequency Worked Example Problem Spectroscopy Example Problem Email Print Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights, Iceland. Getty Images/Arctic-Images Science Chemistry Basics Chemical Laws Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry in Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate by Updated February 04, 2019 This example problem demonstrates how to find the frequency of light from the wavelength. Wavelength is the distance or length between the peaks, troughs, or other fixed points on a wave. Frequency is the rate at which successive peaks, valleys, or points pass per second. Wavelength to Frequency Problem The Aurora Borealis is a night display in the Northern latitudes caused by ionizing radiation interacting with the Earth's magnetic field and the upper atmosphere. The distinctive green color is caused by the interaction of the radiation with oxygen and has a wavelength of 5577 Å. What is the frequency of this light? Solution The speed of light, c, is equal to the product of the wavelength, λ, and the frequency, ν.Thereforeν = c/λν = 3 x 108 m/sec/(5577 Å x 10-10 m/1 Å)ν = 3 x 108 m/sec/(5.577 x 10-7ν = 5.38 x 1014 Hz Answer: The frequency of the 5577 Å light is ν = 5.38 x 1014 Hz. Continue Reading