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Wavelength Formula:
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The wavelength formula calculates the distance between consecutive crests of a wave. For light waves, it relates frequency to wavelength through the speed of light constant.
The calculator uses the wavelength formula:
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Explanation: This formula shows the inverse relationship between frequency and wavelength - as frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa.
Details: Calculating wavelength is essential in optics, telecommunications, astronomy, and many physics applications. It helps determine the properties of electromagnetic radiation and its interaction with matter.
Tips: Enter frequency in Hertz (Hz). The value must be greater than 0. The calculator will compute the corresponding wavelength in meters.
Q1: What is the speed of light constant?
A: The speed of light in vacuum is exactly 299,792,458 m/s, but is commonly approximated as 3 × 10^8 m/s for calculations.
Q2: How does wavelength relate to color for visible light?
A: 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: Can this formula be used for sound waves?
A: Yes, but with a different constant. For sound waves, wavelength = speed of sound / frequency, where speed of sound is approximately 343 m/s in air at 20°C.
Q4: What are typical frequency ranges for different types of electromagnetic radiation?
A: Radio waves (3 kHz-300 GHz), microwaves (300 MHz-300 GHz), infrared (300 GHz-430 THz), visible light (430-750 THz), ultraviolet (750 THz-30 PHz), X-rays (30 PHz-30 EHz), gamma rays (above 30 EHz).
Q5: Why is wavelength important in antenna design?
A: Antenna size is typically proportional to wavelength. Efficient antennas are often designed to be fractions (½, ¼) of the wavelength they're intended to transmit or receive.