Hz to cm-1 Calculator

Convert Frequency (Hz) to Wavenumber (cm-1)

What is Hz to cm-1?

Hz to cm-1 is a conversion from frequency (Hertz) to wavenumber (inverse centimeters). This conversion is often used in the field of spectroscopy, where the wavenumber is a measure of the number of wavelengths per unit distance, typically centimeters. The conversion factor is based on the speed of light, as frequency and wavenumber are both properties of waves, including light waves.

Formula

The formula to convert frequency (Hz) to wavenumber (cm-1) is:

\[ W = \frac{f}{c} \]

Where:

Example

Let's say you have a frequency of 6 x 1014 Hz. Using the formula:

\[ W = \frac{6 \times 10^{14}}{3 \times 10^{10}} = 2 \times 10^{4} \text{ cm}^{-1} \]

So, the wavenumber (W) is \( 2 \times 10^{4} \) cm-1.