Home
Back
Wavelength vs Frequency Equation:
| From: | To: |
The wavelength vs frequency equation describes the fundamental relationship between these two properties of waves: \( f = \frac{c}{\lambda} \), where f is frequency, λ is wavelength, and c is the speed of light (3×10^8 m/s) for electromagnetic waves.
The calculator uses the wavelength-frequency equation:
Where:
Explanation: This equation shows that frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional - as one increases, the other decreases when the wave speed is constant.
Details: Understanding the relationship between wavelength and frequency is crucial in physics, engineering, telecommunications, and many other fields where wave phenomena are studied and utilized.
Tips: Enter either wavelength or frequency value to calculate the other. All values must be positive numbers. For electromagnetic waves, the speed of light is used as the constant.
Q1: Does this equation apply to all types of waves?
A: The general form \( v = f\lambda \) applies to all waves, where v is the wave speed. For electromagnetic waves in vacuum, v equals c (speed of light).
Q2: What units should I use?
A: The calculator uses meters for wavelength and Hertz for frequency. Make sure to convert your values to these units for accurate calculations.
Q3: Can I use this for sound waves?
A: Yes, but you would need to replace c with the speed of sound (approximately 343 m/s in air at 20°C).
Q4: What is the relationship between wavelength and energy?
A: For electromagnetic waves, shorter wavelengths correspond to higher frequencies and higher energy photons according to E = hf, where h is Planck's constant.
Q5: Why is the speed of light used as a constant?
A: For electromagnetic waves (light, radio waves, X-rays, etc.), the speed in vacuum is constant at approximately 3×10^8 m/s, regardless of frequency or wavelength.