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Frequency to Wavelength Equation:
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The frequency to wavelength equation describes the fundamental relationship between the frequency and wavelength of electromagnetic waves, including light. It is derived from the wave equation where the speed of light is constant.
The calculator uses the wavelength equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows that wavelength is inversely proportional to frequency - higher frequencies correspond to shorter wavelengths, and vice versa.
Details: Calculating wavelength from frequency is essential in optics, telecommunications, spectroscopy, and various fields of physics and engineering where electromagnetic wave properties are studied.
Tips: Enter frequency in Hertz (Hz). The value must be positive and greater than zero. The calculator will automatically compute the corresponding wavelength in meters.
Q1: Why is the speed of light constant at 3×10⁸ m/s?
A: This is the speed of light in a vacuum, which is a fundamental physical constant denoted by 'c' in physics equations.
Q2: How does wavelength relate to the color of light?
A: Different wavelengths of visible light correspond to different colors. Violet light has the shortest wavelengths (~380-450 nm) while red light has the longest wavelengths (~620-750 nm).
Q3: Can this calculator be used for other electromagnetic waves?
A: Yes, the equation applies to all electromagnetic waves including radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.
Q4: What if I need to calculate frequency from wavelength?
A: You can rearrange the equation: \( f = \frac{c}{\lambda} \). The same relationship applies, just solving for the other variable.
Q5: Are there any limitations to this calculation?
A: The calculation assumes propagation in a vacuum. In different media, the speed of light changes, which would affect the wavelength for a given frequency.