To determine the correct formula for calculating the speed of light, let's review the basic relationship between the speed of light (c), wavelength (λ), and frequency (f).
The speed of light in a vacuum is defined by a fundamental equation that relates these three quantities. The relationship can be understood as follows:
1. Speed of Light (c): This is the speed at which light travels through a vacuum. Its approximate value is [tex]\( 3.00 \times 10^8 \)[/tex] meters per second (m/s).
2. Wavelength (λ): This is the distance between successive peaks of a wave and is typically measured in meters.
3. Frequency (f): This is the number of oscillations or cycles per second and is measured in Hertz (Hz).
The correct relationship between these quantities is expressed by the formula:
[tex]\[
c = \lambda \times f
\][/tex]
Where:
- [tex]\(c\)[/tex] is the speed of light.
- [tex]\(\lambda\)[/tex] is the wavelength.
- [tex]\(f\)[/tex] is the frequency.
Given this understanding, we can identify the correct answer from the choices provided:
1. [tex]\(c = \lambda \times f\)[/tex]
2. [tex]\(f = c \times \lambda\)[/tex]
3. [tex]\(c = \frac{\lambda}{f}\)[/tex]
4. [tex]\(\lambda = c \times f\)[/tex]
From these options, we see that the first choice ([tex]\(c = \lambda \times f\)[/tex]) correctly represents the relationship between the speed of light, wavelength, and frequency.
Therefore, the correct formula to calculate the speed of light is:
[tex]\[ c = \lambda \times f \][/tex]
This formula shows that the speed of light is the product of the wavelength and the frequency of the light wave.
