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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. For light waves, it determines the color of visible light and the properties of other electromagnetic radiation.
The calculator uses the wavelength formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula shows the inverse relationship between wavelength and frequency - as frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa.
Details: Calculating wavelength is essential in various fields including optics, telecommunications, astronomy, and spectroscopy. It helps determine the properties of electromagnetic radiation and is fundamental to understanding wave behavior.
Tips: Enter the frequency in Hertz (Hz). The value must be greater than 0. The calculator will compute the corresponding wavelength in meters.
Q1: What is the speed of light?
A: The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 3×10⁸ meters per second (299,792,458 m/s exactly).
Q2: How does wavelength relate to color?
A: In visible light, different wavelengths correspond to different colors. Violet light has the shortest wavelengths (around 380-450 nm) while red light has the longest (around 620-750 nm).
Q3: Can this calculator be used for sound waves?
A: No, this calculator is specifically for electromagnetic waves. For sound waves, you would need to use the speed of sound (approximately 343 m/s in air at 20°C) instead of the speed of light.
Q4: What are common units for wavelength?
A: For light waves, nanometers (nm) are commonly used. 1 meter = 1×10⁹ nanometers. You can convert the result from meters to nanometers by multiplying by 1×10⁹.
Q5: What is the relationship between energy and wavelength?
A: Energy is inversely proportional to wavelength according to the formula E = hc/λ, where h is Planck's constant (6.626×10⁻³⁴ J·s).