Home
Back
Wavelength Formula:
| From: | To: |
Wavelength (λ) is the distance between successive crests of a wave, especially points in a sound wave or electromagnetic wave. For electromagnetic radiation, it determines the type of radiation (radio, microwave, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-ray, gamma ray).
The calculator uses the wavelength formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula shows the inverse relationship between wavelength and frequency - higher frequency radiation has shorter wavelengths, and vice versa.
Details: Calculating wavelength is essential in various fields including telecommunications, astronomy, medical imaging, and spectroscopy. It helps determine the properties and applications of different types of electromagnetic radiation.
Tips: Enter frequency in Hertz (Hz). The value must be greater than 0. The calculator will automatically use the speed of light constant (3×10⁸ m/s) to compute the wavelength.
Q1: What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?
A: Wavelength and frequency have an inverse relationship. As frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa, when the speed of wave propagation is constant.
Q2: What are typical wavelength ranges for different types of radiation?
A: Radio waves: >1m, Microwaves: 1mm-1m, Infrared: 700nm-1mm, Visible light: 400-700nm, Ultraviolet: 10-400nm, X-rays: 0.01-10nm, Gamma rays: <0.01nm.
Q3: Why is the speed of light constant in vacuum?
A: The speed of light in vacuum (c = 3×10⁸ m/s) is a fundamental physical constant that remains the same regardless of the motion of the source or observer.
Q4: How does wavelength affect energy?
A: Shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy radiation according to the formula E = hc/λ, where h is Planck's constant.
Q5: Can this formula be used for sound waves?
A: While the formula λ = v/f applies to all waves, for sound waves you would use the speed of sound (approximately 343 m/s in air) instead of the speed of light.