Question

an electromagnetic wave has a wavelength of 0.12 meters. what is that in nanometers?

someone please explain how this equation would work/end up. I've done it over and over and I can't get the right answer.

Answer 1

Answer:

1.2 × 10⁸ m

Explanation:

You want to convert metres to nanometres.

Recall that the multiplying prefix nano- means × 10⁻⁹, so

1 nm = 1 × 10⁻⁹ m

The conversion factor is either $\frac{\text{1 nm} }{10^{-9} \text{m}}$ or $\frac{10^{-9} \text{m} }{\text{1 nm}}$.

You choose the one that has the desired units (nm) on top. Then

$\lambda = \text{0.12 m} \times \frac{\text{1 nm} }{10^{-9} \text{m}} = 1.2 \times 10^{8} \text{ nm}$