Wavelength is a measure of distance, specifically the distance between two successive points in phase on a wave, such as crest to crest or trough to trough. Therefore, the units used to measure wavelength are units of length. Common units for measuring wavelength include:
- Meter (m): The standard SI unit for wavelength
- Nanometer (nm): Commonly used for wavelengths of light and other electromagnetic waves, where 1 nm = 10−910^{-9}10−9 meters
- Angstrom (Å): Often used for very small wavelengths, especially in light waves; 1 Å = 10−1010^{-10}10−10 meters or 0.1 nm
- Micrometer (micron, µm): Equal to 10−610^{-6}10−6 meters, sometimes used for certain electromagnetic wavelengths
- Other less common units include picometers (10−1210^{-12}10−12 m) and femtometers (10−1510^{-15}10−15 m) for extremely small scales
In summary, the SI unit for wavelength is the meter, but depending on the context and scale, submultiples like nanometers and angstroms are frequently used, especially in optics and electromagnetic wave studies.
