1. What is the Wavelength Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the wavelength of electromagnetic waves based on frequency and wave speed.

Purpose: It helps physicists, engineers, and students calculate wavelengths for light, radio waves, and other electromagnetic radiation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( \lambda \) — Wavelength (meters)
• \( c \) — Speed of light (m/s)
• \( f \) — Frequency (Hz)

Explanation: The speed of the wave is divided by its frequency to determine the distance between consecutive wave crests.

3. Importance of Wavelength Calculation

Details: Wavelength determines many properties of electromagnetic waves including color (for visible light), penetration ability, and antenna design requirements.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the frequency in Hertz and the speed of light (default 3×10⁸ m/s). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the speed of light in a vacuum?
A: Exactly 299,792,458 m/s, though we often approximate it as 3×10⁸ m/s for calculations.

Q2: How does wavelength change in different media?
A: The speed of light changes in different media, which affects wavelength while frequency remains constant.

Q3: What's the wavelength range for visible light?
A: Approximately 380-750 nanometers (1 nm = 10⁻⁹ m).

Q4: Can I use this for sound waves?
A: Yes, but use the speed of sound (343 m/s in air at 20°C) instead of the speed of light.

Q5: How do I convert wavelength to energy?
A: Use Planck's equation: E = hc/λ, where h is Planck's constant (6.626×10⁻³⁴ J·s).