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Wavelength Formula:
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The wavelength formula calculates the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation from its frequency using the fundamental relationship: λ = c / f, where λ is wavelength, c is the speed of light, and f is frequency.
The calculator uses the wavelength formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula shows the inverse relationship between frequency and wavelength - higher frequencies correspond to shorter wavelengths, and vice versa.
Details: Calculating wavelength from frequency is essential in physics, optics, telecommunications, and spectroscopy for understanding electromagnetic wave properties and their interactions with matter.
Tips: Enter frequency in Hertz (Hz). The value must be positive and non-zero. The calculator will compute the corresponding wavelength in meters.
Q1: What is the speed of light constant?
A: The speed of light in vacuum is exactly 299,792,458 m/s, but 3×10^8 m/s is commonly used for calculations and provides excellent approximation.
Q2: Can this formula be used for all electromagnetic waves?
A: Yes, this formula applies to all electromagnetic radiation including radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.
Q3: How does wavelength relate to energy?
A: Shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy photons according to E = hc/λ, where h is Planck's constant.
Q4: What are typical wavelength ranges?
A: Radio waves: 1mm-100km, Microwaves: 1mm-1m, Infrared: 700nm-1mm, Visible light: 380-750nm, UV: 10-380nm, X-rays: 0.01-10nm, Gamma rays: <0.01nm.
Q5: Why is wavelength important in practical applications?
A: Wavelength determines how electromagnetic waves interact with materials, affecting applications from radio communications and medical imaging to optical fiber transmission and spectroscopy.