Home
Back
Wave Equation:
| From: | To: |
The wave equation \( v = f \lambda \) describes the relationship between the speed of a wave (v), its frequency (f), and its wavelength (λ). This fundamental equation applies to all types of waves including sound waves, light waves, and water waves.
The calculator uses the wave equation:
Where:
Explanation: Enter any two known values to calculate the third unknown value. The calculator will automatically determine which variable to calculate based on the inputs provided.
Details: Understanding wave properties is essential in physics, engineering, telecommunications, and many other fields. These calculations help determine how waves propagate through different media and interact with their environment.
Tips: Enter any two of the three values (speed, frequency, wavelength). All values must be positive numbers. Leave the value you want to calculate empty or set to zero.
Q1: What units should I use?
A: The calculator uses meters per second (m/s) for speed, Hertz (Hz) for frequency, and meters (m) for wavelength. Convert your values to these units before calculation.
Q2: Does this equation work for all wave types?
A: Yes, the fundamental relationship \( v = f \lambda \) applies to all wave types, though the actual speed will vary depending on the medium and wave type.
Q3: What if I get an unexpected result?
A: Make sure you've entered exactly two values and that they are in the correct units. Also verify that the values are physically possible (positive numbers).
Q4: Can I calculate with different units?
A: The calculator only works with the specified units. You'll need to convert your values to m/s, Hz, and m before entering them.
Q5: What are some typical values for different waves?
A: Sound waves in air travel at about 343 m/s, light waves at 3×10⁸ m/s. Audible sound frequencies range from 20-20,000 Hz, while visible light frequencies are around 4.3-7.5×10¹⁴ Hz.