wavenumber

[/ˈweɪvˌnʌmbər/]
nounpl: wavenumbers
número de onda
1. A measure of the number of waves per unit distance, equal to the reciprocal of the wavelength, commonly used in spectroscopy and physics
The wavenumber is expressed in inverse centimeters (cm⁻¹) in infrared spectroscopy.
O número de onda é expresso em centímetros inversos (cm⁻¹) na espectroscopia infravermelha.
2. The spatial frequency of a wave, represented by the symbol k or ν̄ (nu-bar)
The wavenumber determines how many complete wave cycles occur over a fixed distance.
O número de onda determina quantos ciclos de onda completos ocorrem em uma distância fixa.
Wavenumber is primarily a technical term used in scientific and academic contexts, particularly in physics, chemistry, and spectroscopy. In Brazil and Portugal, the term 'número de onda' is the standard translation found in scientific textbooks and research papers. This term is essential in modern analytical chemistry and quantum mechanics discussions.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
spatial frequencyreciprocal wavelength

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
número de onda
Standard scientific term used in physics and chemistry education
Portugal
número de onda
Same term used in Portuguese scientific literature
USA
wavenumber
Widely used in spectroscopy, particularly infrared and Raman spectroscopy

Related Words

wavelengthfrequencyspectrumspectroscopywave vectorphoton energy
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