
What is the formula to find the speed of light?
Answer
452.4k+ views
Hint: The speed of light is a universal and fundamental constant that expresses the speed by which light travels in space. Here, when we say space, we generally mean vacuum and atmosphere. We will first see the methods by which speed of light was calculated and see the modern formula to find the speed of light.
Complete step-by-step solution:
When we say the speed of light, we quickly jump to the conclusion that its speed is , but the fact that it earlier estimated to be infinity is quite astonishing.
In the late 1600s, a Danish astronomer Ole Roemer became the first person to calculate the speed of light. He calculated the speed of light by timing eclipses of Jupiter’s moon Lo. His works were later used by Huygens to give a rough idea of the speed of light. Huygens calculated the speed of light to be 131,000 miles per second whereas the actual speed of light is 186,000 miles per second.
Also, in Modern Physics, the formula of speed of light can be given by:
Here,
‘c’ is the speed of light.
‘ ’ is the wavelength of light. And,
‘f’ is the frequency per second.
Under appropriate scientific observations and calculations, the absolute speed of light is calculated to be:
Hence, the formula used to calculate the speed of light is, .
Note: Since, light is an electromagnetic radiation whose wavelength lies in the visible spectrum, its speed is used as a base to estimate the speed of other electromagnetic radiations like the absolute speed of gamma rays, X-rays, microwaves, radio waves, etc.
Complete step-by-step solution:
When we say the speed of light, we quickly jump to the conclusion that its speed is
In the late 1600s, a Danish astronomer Ole Roemer became the first person to calculate the speed of light. He calculated the speed of light by timing eclipses of Jupiter’s moon Lo. His works were later used by Huygens to give a rough idea of the speed of light. Huygens calculated the speed of light to be 131,000 miles per second whereas the actual speed of light is 186,000 miles per second.
Also, in Modern Physics, the formula of speed of light can be given by:
Here,
‘c’ is the speed of light.
‘
‘f’ is the frequency per second.
Under appropriate scientific observations and calculations, the absolute speed of light is calculated to be:
Hence, the formula used to calculate the speed of light is,
Note: Since, light is an electromagnetic radiation whose wavelength lies in the visible spectrum, its speed is used as a base to estimate the speed of other electromagnetic radiations like the absolute speed of gamma rays, X-rays, microwaves, radio waves, etc.
Latest Vedantu courses for you
Grade 11 Science PCM | CBSE | SCHOOL | English
CBSE (2025-26)
School Full course for CBSE students
₹41,848 per year
Recently Updated Pages
Master Class 11 Business Studies: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Economics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Accountancy: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Computer Science: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Maths: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 English: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Trending doubts
Which one is a true fish A Jellyfish B Starfish C Dogfish class 11 biology CBSE

Difference Between Prokaryotic Cells and Eukaryotic Cells

1 ton equals to A 100 kg B 1000 kg C 10 kg D 10000 class 11 physics CBSE

One Metric ton is equal to kg A 10000 B 1000 C 100 class 11 physics CBSE

1 Quintal is equal to a 110 kg b 10 kg c 100kg d 1000 class 11 physics CBSE

Net gain of ATP in glycolysis a 6 b 2 c 4 d 8 class 11 biology CBSE
