Home Back

Frequency Wavelength Calculator

Frequency Wavelength Equation:

\[ f = \frac{c}{\lambda} \]

m/s
m

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From: To:

1. What is the Frequency Wavelength Equation?

The frequency wavelength equation relates the frequency (f) and wavelength (λ) of electromagnetic waves through the speed of light (c). This fundamental physics equation is essential in fields like optics, radio communications, and spectroscopy.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the frequency wavelength equation:

\[ f = \frac{c}{\lambda} \]

Where:

Explanation: The equation shows the inverse relationship between frequency and wavelength - as wavelength increases, frequency decreases, and vice versa.

3. Importance of Frequency Wavelength Calculation

Details: Calculating frequency from wavelength (or vice versa) is crucial for designing communication systems, analyzing electromagnetic spectra, and understanding wave behavior in various media.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the speed of light in m/s (default is 300,000,000 m/s) and wavelength in meters. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the speed of light in different media?
A: The speed of light is approximately 3×10⁸ m/s in vacuum, but it slows down in other media like water or glass.

Q2: How does wavelength relate to energy?
A: Shorter wavelengths correspond to higher frequencies and higher energy photons according to E = hf, where h is Planck's constant.

Q3: What are typical wavelength ranges?
A: Radio waves have wavelengths from meters to kilometers, visible light from 380-750 nm, and gamma rays have wavelengths smaller than atoms.

Q4: Can this equation be used for sound waves?
A: A similar equation v = fλ applies to sound waves, where v is the speed of sound in the medium (about 343 m/s in air).

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically exact for electromagnetic waves in vacuum. In other media, the speed of light changes, affecting the relationship.

Frequency Wavelength Calculator© - All Rights Reserved 2025