Wavelength Formula:
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Wavelength is the distance between successive crests of a wave, especially points in a sound wave or electromagnetic wave. It is usually denoted by the Greek letter lambda (λ).
The calculator uses the wavelength formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the wavelength by dividing the wave's velocity by its frequency.
Details: Calculating wavelength is essential in various fields including acoustics, optics, and radio communications. It helps determine the physical size of waves and their behavior in different media.
Tips: Enter the velocity in meters per second and frequency in hertz. Both values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?
A: Wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional - as frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa, when velocity is constant.
Q2: How does medium affect wavelength?
A: When a wave enters a different medium, its velocity changes, which affects its wavelength while frequency remains constant.
Q3: What are typical wavelength values for sound waves?
A: Sound wavelengths range from about 17 meters (20 Hz) to 1.7 cm (20,000 Hz) in air at room temperature.
Q4: Can this calculator be used for light waves?
A: Yes, the same formula applies to light waves, where v would be the speed of light (approximately 3×10⁸ m/s in vacuum).
Q5: What units should I use for the inputs?
A: Velocity should be in meters per second (m/s) and frequency in hertz (Hz) for the result to be in meters (m).