Wavelength Formula:
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The wavelength formula calculates the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation from its frequency using the relationship between the speed of light, frequency, and wavelength.
The calculator uses the wavelength formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula shows the inverse relationship between frequency and wavelength - as frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa.
Details: Calculating wavelength is essential in various fields including telecommunications, optics, astronomy, and quantum physics. It helps determine the properties of electromagnetic waves and their interactions with matter.
Tips: Enter the frequency in Hertz (Hz). The value must be greater than 0. The calculator will compute the corresponding wavelength in meters.
Q1: What is the speed of light constant?
A: The speed of light in vacuum is approximately 3 × 10⁸ meters per second (299,792,458 m/s exactly).
Q2: How does wavelength relate to energy?
A: For photons, energy is inversely proportional to wavelength (E = hc/λ), where h is Planck's constant.
Q3: What are typical wavelength ranges?
A: Radio waves have wavelengths from meters to kilometers, visible light from 380-750 nm, and gamma rays have wavelengths smaller than atoms.
Q4: Can this formula be used for all electromagnetic waves?
A: Yes, this formula applies to all electromagnetic radiation in vacuum. In other media, the speed of light changes, affecting wavelength.
Q5: How is frequency measured?
A: Frequency is typically measured in Hertz (Hz), which represents cycles per second. Radio frequencies are often in kHz, MHz, or GHz.