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Wave Velocity Equation:
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Wave velocity is the speed at which a wave propagates through a medium. It is calculated as the product of frequency and wavelength, representing how fast the wave energy travels.
The calculator uses the wave velocity equation:
Where:
Explanation: This fundamental equation relates the three key properties of a wave, showing that velocity increases with either higher frequency or longer wavelength.
Details: Calculating wave velocity is essential in various fields including acoustics, optics, telecommunications, and seismology. It helps determine how waves behave in different media and is crucial for designing communication systems and understanding wave 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 is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?
A: Frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional when velocity is constant. Higher frequency means shorter wavelength, and vice versa.
Q2: Does wave velocity depend on the medium?
A: Yes, wave velocity varies significantly between different media. For example, sound travels faster in water than in air, and light travels slower in glass than in vacuum.
Q3: What are typical velocity values for different waves?
A: Sound in air: ~343 m/s, light in vacuum: 299,792,458 m/s, seismic waves: 2-8 km/s depending on the wave type and geological medium.
Q4: Can this equation be used for all types of waves?
A: Yes, the equation v = f × λ applies to all periodic waves, including electromagnetic waves, sound waves, and water waves.
Q5: How does temperature affect wave velocity?
A: For sound waves in air, velocity increases with temperature (approximately 0.6 m/s per °C). For light waves, velocity decreases slightly with increasing temperature in most media.