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Wavelength Calculator

Wavelength Formula:

\[ \lambda = \frac{v}{f} \]

m/s
Hz

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1. What Is Wavelength?

Wavelength is the distance between successive crests of a wave, especially points in a sound wave or electromagnetic wave. It is a fundamental property of periodic waves and is typically measured in meters.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the wavelength formula:

\[ \lambda = \frac{v}{f} \]

Where:

Explanation: This formula shows the inverse relationship between wavelength and frequency - as frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa, assuming constant wave speed.

3. Importance Of Wavelength Calculation

Details: Wavelength calculation is crucial in various fields including telecommunications, acoustics, optics, and radio engineering. It helps determine wave properties, design antennas, analyze sound waves, and understand electromagnetic spectrum characteristics.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter wave speed in meters per second and frequency in hertz. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?
A: Wavelength and frequency have an inverse relationship. When frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and when frequency decreases, wavelength increases, provided the wave speed remains constant.

Q2: What are typical wavelength ranges for different waves?
A: Radio waves: 1 mm to 100 km, Microwaves: 1 mm to 1 m, Infrared: 700 nm to 1 mm, Visible light: 400-700 nm, Ultraviolet: 10-400 nm, X-rays: 0.01-10 nm, Gamma rays: less than 0.01 nm.

Q3: How does medium affect wavelength?
A: When a wave passes from one medium to another, its frequency remains constant but its speed and wavelength change. The wavelength is proportional to the wave speed in the medium.

Q4: What is the speed of light in vacuum?
A: The speed of light in vacuum is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second (about 3 × 10⁸ m/s), which is used for electromagnetic wave calculations in vacuum.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for sound waves?
A: Yes, this calculator works for any type of wave including sound waves, light waves, water waves, etc., as long as you know the wave speed and frequency in the specific medium.

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