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Wavelength Formula:
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Wavelength (λ) is the distance between successive crests of a wave, especially points in a sound wave or electromagnetic wave. It is inversely proportional to frequency and is a fundamental property of waves.
The calculator uses the wavelength formula:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows that wavelength decreases as frequency increases, and vice versa, for electromagnetic waves traveling at the speed of light.
Details: Calculating wavelength is essential in various fields including telecommunications, astronomy, optics, and physics. It helps determine the properties of electromagnetic radiation and is crucial for designing communication systems and studying wave behavior.
Tips: Enter frequency in Hertz (Hz). The value must be valid (frequency > 0). The calculator will automatically use the speed of light constant (3×10⁸ m/s) to compute the wavelength.
Q1: Why is the speed of light constant used?
A: This calculator is designed for electromagnetic waves, which all travel at the speed of light in vacuum (3×10⁸ m/s).
Q2: Can this calculator be used for sound waves?
A: No, sound waves travel at different speeds depending on the medium. For sound waves, you would need to use the appropriate speed of sound for that medium.
Q3: What are typical wavelength values?
A: Wavelengths vary greatly: radio waves can be kilometers long, visible light is 400-700 nanometers, and gamma rays have wavelengths smaller than atoms.
Q4: How does frequency affect wavelength?
A: Higher frequency means shorter wavelength, and lower frequency means longer wavelength, when wave speed is constant.
Q5: What units are used for wavelength?
A: Wavelength is typically measured in meters, but may use smaller units like nanometers (10⁻⁹ m) for light waves or larger units for radio waves.