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Wavelength-Frequency Equation:
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The wavelength-frequency equation describes the fundamental relationship between the wavelength (λ) of a wave, its frequency (f), and the speed of propagation (c). For electromagnetic waves, the speed of light in vacuum is approximately 3×10^8 m/s.
The calculator uses the wavelength-frequency equation:
Where:
Explanation: This equation shows that wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional - as frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa.
Details: Calculating wavelength is essential in various fields including telecommunications, optics, radio astronomy, and spectroscopy. It helps determine the properties of electromagnetic waves and their interactions with matter.
Tips: Enter frequency in Hertz and speed of light in m/s (default is 300,000,000 m/s for vacuum). All values must be valid (frequency > 0, speed > 0).
Q1: What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?
A: Wavelength and frequency have an inverse relationship. As frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa, when the speed remains constant.
Q2: Does the speed of light change in different media?
A: Yes, the speed of light is slower in materials other than vacuum. The speed in a medium is c/n, where n is the refractive index of the material.
Q3: What are typical frequency ranges for different applications?
A: Radio waves: 3 kHz-300 GHz, Microwaves: 300 MHz-300 GHz, Infrared: 300 GHz-430 THz, Visible light: 430-750 THz, UV: 750 THz-30 PHz.
Q4: Can this equation be used for sound waves?
A: Yes, the same relationship applies to sound waves, but with the speed of sound (approximately 343 m/s in air at 20°C) instead of the speed of light.
Q5: How does wavelength affect wave behavior?
A: Wavelength determines how waves interact with objects. Waves tend to diffract around objects of similar size to their wavelength and are reflected by objects much larger than their wavelength.