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Frequency-Wavelength Equation:
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The frequency-wavelength equation describes the relationship between the frequency and wavelength of electromagnetic waves. It states that frequency (f) equals the speed of light (c) divided by wavelength (λ).
The calculator uses the frequency-wavelength equation:
Where:
Explanation: This fundamental equation applies to all electromagnetic waves, including radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.
Details: Calculating frequency from wavelength is essential in various fields including telecommunications, astronomy, spectroscopy, and optical engineering. It helps determine the energy and properties of electromagnetic radiation.
Tips: Enter wavelength in meters and the speed of light in m/s (default is 300,000,000 m/s for vacuum). Both values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What is the standard speed of light value?
A: In vacuum, the speed of light is exactly 299,792,458 m/s, but 3×10⁸ m/s is commonly used for calculations.
Q2: Does the speed of light change in different media?
A: Yes, light travels slower in materials like water, glass, or air compared to vacuum. The speed reduction is described by the refractive index of the material.
Q3: How are frequency and wavelength related?
A: They are inversely proportional - as wavelength increases, frequency decreases, and vice versa, keeping the product (c) constant for a given medium.
Q4: What are typical wavelength ranges?
A: Radio waves can be kilometers long, visible light is 380-750 nanometers, while gamma rays have wavelengths smaller than atoms.
Q5: Can this calculator be used for sound waves?
A: The same formula applies to sound waves, but you would use the speed of sound (approximately 343 m/s in air) instead of the speed of light.