Frequency Wavelength Equation:
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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.
The calculator uses the frequency wavelength equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows the inverse relationship between frequency and wavelength - as wavelength increases, frequency decreases, and vice versa.
Details: Calculating frequency from wavelength (or vice versa) is crucial for designing communication systems, analyzing electromagnetic spectra, and understanding wave behavior in various media.
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.
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.