Wavelength Formula:
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Wavelength is the distance between successive crests of a wave, especially points in a sound wave or electromagnetic wave. For light, it determines the color we perceive and is a fundamental property of electromagnetic radiation.
The calculator uses the wavelength formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula shows the inverse relationship between wavelength and frequency - as frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa.
Details: Calculating wavelength is essential in optics, telecommunications, spectroscopy, and understanding the behavior of electromagnetic radiation across different applications.
Tips: Enter frequency in Hertz (Hz) and speed of light in meters per second (m/s). The default speed of light is set to 300,000,000 m/s (3×10⁸ m/s).
Q1: What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?
A: Wavelength and frequency have an inverse relationship. As frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa, when the speed of light remains constant.
Q2: What are typical wavelength values for visible light?
A: Visible light wavelengths range from approximately 380 nm (violet) to 750 nm (red), corresponding to frequencies of about 400-790 THz.
Q3: Does wavelength change when light enters different media?
A: Yes, when light enters a different medium, its wavelength changes due to the change in speed, though frequency remains constant.
Q4: How is wavelength measured experimentally?
A: Wavelength can be measured using diffraction gratings, interferometers, or spectroscopy techniques that analyze light dispersion.
Q5: Why is the speed of light constant in vacuum?
A: The speed of light in vacuum is a fundamental constant of nature (approximately 3×10⁸ m/s) and does not depend on the motion of the source or observer.