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User Guide
Calculate the time it takes for an electromagnetic wave to travel in a vacuum by entering the distance to the emission source.
Electromagnetic waves are divided up into regions of what is called the electromagnetic spectrum. Starting with the shortest wavelengths, the spectrum is made up of gamma rays, x rays, ultraviolet, visible light, infra-red, microwave, and radio waves. This emission source distance to time delay calculator can be used for all types of waves in the electromagnetic spectrum travelling through a vacuum.
Enter the distance of the electromagnetic emitting source, along with selecting the relevant distance measurement unit, and then select the required time measurement unit to calculate the corresponding time delay between departure and arrival of the em wave from the emitting source . The result will then be displayed in the answer box along with a dynamic conversion scale to show how the time delay will vary for different distances, above and below the entered value.
Formula
The formula used to calculate the delay time for receiving electromagnetic waves from the source of emission in a vacuum is:
t = d / c0
Symbols
- t = Time delay before receiving EM wave
- c0 = Speed of light in a vacuum
- d = Distance to emission source of EM wave
Source distance
Enter the distance which the electromagnetic wave will travel between the receiving point and source of the electromagnetic wave emission.
Time delay
This is the time an em wave will take, to travel through a vacuum, from the source of emission to the receiving point. This time delay is often used to predict how long it would take for a radio communication to be sent between mission control and a spacecraft exploring the solar system.