Wavelength to wavenumber converter

Wavelength (λ) represents the distance between successive peaks of a wave and is typically given in nanometers (nm). To calculate the wavenumber (ν̄), which represents the number of waves per unit distance (commonly expressed in cm^-1), we use the following steps:

Step 1: Convert the wavelength from nanometers to centimeters. Since there are 10⁷ nanometers in one centimeter:

λ_cm = λ_nm / 10⁷

Step 2: Use the relationship between wavelength and wavenumber:

ν̄ = 1 / λ_cm

Substituting the value of λ_cm, the wavenumber can be calculated directly from the wavelength in nanometers as:

ν̄ = 10⁷ / λ_nm

How to Use the Calculator

1. Input the wavelength (λ_nm) in nanometers.
2. The calculator will compute the wavenumber (ν̄) in cm^-1 using the formula above.
3. The result is displayed with appropriate precision, including scientific notation for very large or small values.