Wavelength Formula:
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The wavelength formula calculates the distance between consecutive crests of a wave from its frequency and the speed of propagation. For electromagnetic waves, the speed is the speed of light in vacuum.
The calculator uses the wavelength formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula shows the inverse relationship between wavelength and frequency - as frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa.
Details: Wavelength calculation is essential in physics, telecommunications, optics, and radio engineering for designing antennas, optical systems, and understanding wave behavior in different media.
Tips: Enter frequency in Hertz (Hz). The value must be positive and greater than zero. The calculator will compute the corresponding wavelength in meters.
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 wave speed is constant.
Q2: Does the formula work for all types of waves?
A: The formula works for all waves, but the speed value (c) changes depending on the medium. For sound waves, use the speed of sound instead of light.
Q3: What are typical wavelength values for visible light?
A: Visible light wavelengths range from approximately 380 nm (violet) to 750 nm (red), corresponding to frequencies of about 400-790 THz.
Q4: How does medium affect wavelength?
A: When waves move from one medium to another, frequency remains constant but wavelength changes as the wave speed changes in different media.
Q5: Can this calculator be used for sound waves?
A: For sound waves, you would need to replace the speed of light with the speed of sound in the specific medium (approximately 343 m/s in air at 20°C).