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Wavelength Formula:
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Wavelength (λ) is the distance between successive crests of a wave, especially points in a sound wave or electromagnetic wave. For sound waves, it represents the physical length of one complete cycle of the wave.
The calculator uses the wavelength formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula shows that wavelength is inversely proportional to frequency - higher frequencies result in shorter wavelengths when velocity is constant.
Details: Calculating wavelength is essential in acoustics, audio engineering, and physics. It helps determine how sound waves interact with environments, objects, and other waves, and is crucial for designing acoustic spaces and audio equipment.
Tips: Enter the velocity of sound in m/s (343 m/s is the default speed of sound in air at 20°C) and frequency in Hz. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: Why is the speed of sound set to 343 m/s by default?
A: 343 m/s is the approximate speed of sound in dry air at 20°C (68°F), which is a standard reference condition.
Q2: How does temperature affect the calculation?
A: The speed of sound increases with temperature (approximately 0.6 m/s per °C). For precise calculations, adjust the velocity based on the actual temperature.
Q3: What is the wavelength range for audible sound?
A: For humans (20 Hz to 20,000 Hz), wavelengths range from about 17 meters (20 Hz) to 1.7 cm (20,000 Hz) in air.
Q4: How does the medium affect wavelength?
A: Sound travels at different speeds in different media (faster in water and solids), which affects wavelength for a given frequency.
Q5: Why is wavelength important in audio applications?
A: Wavelength determines how sound waves interact with objects and spaces. Objects smaller than the wavelength have little effect, while larger objects can reflect or diffract the sound.