Question

Part A:

Optical fibers allow the fast transmission of vast amounts of data. In one type of fiber, the wavelength of transmitted light is 6700 nm.

What is the frequency of the light?

Express your answer to two significant figures and include the appropriate units.

Part B:

Fiber optic cable is available in 12 km lengths. How long will it take for a signal to travel that distance assuming that the speed of light in the cable is the same as in a vacuum?

Express your answer to two significant figures and include the appropriate units.

Answer 1

Part A : Frequency = 4.5 x 10¹³ Hz

Part B : Time = 4.0 x 10^-5 s

Explanation

Part A

wavelength = 6700 nm = 6700 x 10^-9 m

frequency = (speed of light) / wavelength

frequency = (3 x 10⁸ m/s) / (6700 x 10^-9 m)

frequency = 4.5 x 10¹³ s^-1