Frequency Equation:
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The fundamental relationship between frequency and wavelength is described by the equation f = c/λ, where f is frequency, c is the speed of light (3×10^8 m/s), and λ is wavelength. This equation applies to all electromagnetic waves including light, radio waves, and microwaves.
The calculator uses the frequency-wavelength equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows that frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional - as wavelength increases, frequency decreases, and vice versa.
Details: Calculating frequency from wavelength is essential in various fields including telecommunications, optics, astronomy, and electromagnetic spectrum analysis. It helps determine wave properties and applications.
Tips: Enter wavelength in meters (m). The value must be positive and greater than zero. The calculator will automatically compute the corresponding frequency in hertz (Hz).
Q1: What is the speed of light value used?
A: The calculator uses c = 3×10^8 m/s, which is the standard speed of light in vacuum.
Q2: Can I use different units for wavelength?
A: The calculator requires meters. Convert other units (nm, μm, cm) to meters before calculation (1 m = 10^9 nm = 10^6 μm = 100 cm).
Q3: What frequency ranges are typical?
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: Does this apply to sound waves?
A: No, this equation is for electromagnetic waves. For sound waves, use f = v/λ where v is the speed of sound (≈343 m/s in air).
Q5: Why is frequency important?
A: Frequency determines wave properties like energy (E = hf), penetration ability, and applications in communication, medical imaging, and spectroscopy.