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