Question

what is the reciprocal of wavelength called?

Answer 1

In some references, it is defined as the reciprocal of the wavelength in meters; in still others, it is defined as the reciprocal of the wavelength in centimeters.) As the wavelength grows shorter, the wave number becomes larger. Wave number is usually specified for an EM field in a vacuum, also called free space.

Answer 2

Answer:

Wave number

Explanation:

The reciprocal of wavelength is called the wave number. It can be also defined as number of waves per unit distance. It is denoted as $\bar{\nu}$.

It can be written as :

$\bar{\nu}=\dfrac{1}{\lambda}$

In terms of radian per unit distance it can be written as :

$\bar{\nu}=\dfrac{2\pi}{\lambda}$

Its SI unit is m⁻¹