Wavelength Formula:
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Wavelength (λ) is the distance between successive crests of a wave, especially points in a sound wave or electromagnetic wave. It is calculated using the formula λ = v / f, where v is the velocity and f is the frequency.
The calculator uses the wavelength formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula shows the inverse relationship between wavelength and frequency - as frequency increases, wavelength decreases when velocity remains constant.
Details: Wavelength calculation is crucial in various fields including physics, engineering, telecommunications, and optics. It helps in understanding wave behavior, designing antennas, and analyzing signal propagation.
Tips: Enter velocity in m/s and frequency in Hz. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: What units should I use for the calculation?
A: Velocity should be in meters per second (m/s) and frequency in Hertz (Hz) to get wavelength in meters (m).
Q2: Can this calculator be used for light waves?
A: Yes, for light waves in a vacuum, velocity is the speed of light (approximately 3×10⁸ m/s).
Q3: What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?
A: Wavelength and frequency have an inverse relationship when velocity is constant - higher frequency means shorter wavelength.
Q4: How does medium affect wavelength?
A: When a wave enters a different medium, its velocity changes, which affects the wavelength while frequency remains constant.
Q5: What are typical wavelength ranges?
A: Wavelengths vary greatly - from kilometers for radio waves to nanometers for visible light and picometers for gamma rays.