Home
Back
Wave Velocity Equation:
| From: | To: |
Wave velocity is the speed at which a wave propagates through a medium. It is determined by the product of the wave's frequency and wavelength, following the fundamental wave equation: v = f × λ.
The calculator uses the wave velocity equation:
Where:
Explanation: This fundamental equation relates the three key properties of any wave, showing that wave velocity equals frequency multiplied by wavelength.
Details: Calculating wave velocity is essential in various fields including acoustics, optics, telecommunications, and seismology. It helps determine how quickly waves travel through different media and is crucial for designing communication systems, studying wave behavior, and understanding physical phenomena.
Tips: Enter frequency in Hertz (Hz) and wavelength in meters (m). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: What units should I use for frequency and wavelength?
A: Frequency should be in Hertz (Hz) and wavelength in meters (m) for the result to be in meters per second (m/s).
Q2: Does this equation work for all types of waves?
A: Yes, the equation v = f × λ applies to all types of waves including sound waves, light waves, water waves, and electromagnetic waves.
Q3: How does the medium affect wave velocity?
A: Wave velocity depends on the properties of the medium through which the wave travels. For example, sound travels faster in water than in air, and light travels slower in glass than in vacuum.
Q4: Can I calculate frequency or wavelength if I know velocity?
A: Yes, you can rearrange the equation: f = v/λ or λ = v/f to find the missing variable if you know the other two.
Q5: What are typical velocity values for different waves?
A: Sound waves in air: ~343 m/s, light waves in vacuum: 299,792,458 m/s, seismic waves: 2-8 km/s depending on the type and medium.