1. What Are Wavelength, Frequency and Wave Number?

Wavelength (λ) is the distance between successive crests of a wave. Frequency (f) is the number of waves that pass a fixed point in unit time. Wave number (k) represents the number of waves per unit distance, related to wavelength through k = 2π/λ.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the wave equations:

Where:

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

Explanation: These equations describe the fundamental relationships between wave parameters in electromagnetic and other wave phenomena.

3. Importance of Wave Parameter Calculation

Details: Calculating wavelength, frequency, and wave number is essential in physics, engineering, telecommunications, and optics for understanding wave behavior and designing wave-based systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter speed of light in m/s (default is 3×10^8 m/s) and frequency in Hz. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?
A: Wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional through the wave speed: λ = c/f, where c is the speed of propagation.

Q2: What units are used for wave number?
A: Wave number is typically measured in radians per meter (rad/m) or sometimes in cycles per meter (m⁻¹).

Q3: Can this calculator be used for sound waves?
A: Yes, but you would need to use the speed of sound (approximately 343 m/s in air) instead of the speed of light.

Q4: What is angular wave number vs spatial wave number?
A: Angular wave number (k) = 2π/λ, while spatial wave number is simply 1/λ. Angular wave number is more commonly used in physics.

Q5: How does wave number relate to energy?
A: In quantum mechanics, wave number is proportional to momentum, and thus related to energy through E = p²/2m for non-relativistic particles.