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Wavelength Formula:
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Wavelength (λ) is the distance between successive crests of a wave, typically measured in meters. For light waves, wavelength determines the color of visible light and is inversely proportional to frequency.
The calculator uses the wavelength formula:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows that wavelength is inversely proportional to frequency - higher frequency light has shorter wavelengths.
Details: Calculating wavelength is essential in optics, telecommunications, spectroscopy, and understanding the electromagnetic spectrum. Different wavelengths correspond to different types of electromagnetic radiation, from radio waves to gamma rays.
Tips: Enter frequency in Hertz (Hz). The value must be greater than 0. The calculator will output the wavelength in meters.
Q1: What is the speed of light?
A: The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 3×10^8 meters per second (299,792,458 m/s exactly).
Q2: How does wavelength relate to color?
A: In the visible spectrum, different wavelengths correspond to different colors: violet (380-450 nm), blue (450-495 nm), green (495-570 nm), yellow (570-590 nm), orange (590-620 nm), and red (620-750 nm).
Q3: What is the range of light wavelengths?
A: The electromagnetic spectrum includes radio waves (>1 m), microwaves (1 mm-1 m), infrared (700 nm-1 mm), visible light (380-750 nm), ultraviolet (10-380 nm), X-rays (0.01-10 nm), and gamma rays (<0.01 nm).
Q4: Can this calculator be used for other waves?
A: The formula λ = c/f applies to all electromagnetic waves, but for sound waves or other mechanical waves, the speed would be different than the speed of light.
Q5: What are common units for light wavelength?
A: While meters are the SI unit, light wavelengths are often measured in nanometers (1 nm = 10^-9 m) or angstroms (1 Å = 10^-10 m) for convenience.