1. What is the Wavelength Formula?

The wavelength formula calculates the distance between consecutive crests of a wave using the relationship between wave velocity and frequency. It is a fundamental equation in wave physics.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the wavelength formula:

Where:

• \( \lambda \) — Wavelength (meters)
• \( v \) — Velocity of the wave (meters per second)
• \( f \) — Frequency of the wave (Hertz)

Explanation: The wavelength is directly proportional to the velocity of the wave and inversely proportional to its frequency.

3. Importance of Wavelength Calculation

Details: Wavelength calculation is essential in various fields including acoustics, optics, radio communications, and electromagnetic theory for understanding wave behavior and properties.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter velocity in m/s and frequency in Hz. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical velocity of sound waves?
A: The speed of sound in air at 20°C is approximately 343 m/s, but it varies with temperature and medium.

Q2: What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?
A: Wavelength and frequency have an inverse relationship - as frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa.

Q3: Can this formula be used for light waves?
A: Yes, for light waves in vacuum, velocity is constant (speed of light ≈ 3×10⁸ m/s), so wavelength depends only on frequency.

Q4: What are common wavelength units?
A: While meters are standard, wavelengths are often expressed in nanometers (nm) for light waves or centimeters (cm) for radio waves.

Q5: How does medium affect wave velocity?
A: Wave velocity changes with the properties of the medium (density, elasticity, temperature), which affects wavelength for a given frequency.