1. What is Wave Speed?

Wave speed is the distance a wave travels per unit time. It's determined by the product of frequency and wavelength, and is independent of amplitude. The relationship is described by the fundamental wave equation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the wave equation:

Where:

• \( V \) — Wave speed (m/s)
• \( f \) — Frequency (Hz)
• \( \lambda \) — Wavelength (m)

Explanation: The equation shows that wave speed is directly proportional to both frequency and wavelength. Amplitude doesn't affect the speed of the wave.

3. Importance of Wave Speed Calculation

Details: Calculating wave speed is essential in physics, engineering, and telecommunications for understanding wave behavior, designing communication systems, and analyzing wave propagation through different media.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter frequency in Hertz (Hz) and wavelength in meters (m). Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the wave speed in meters per second (m/s).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does amplitude affect wave speed?
A: No, wave speed depends only on the medium and the relationship between frequency and wavelength. Amplitude affects wave energy but not speed.

Q2: What are typical wave speeds for sound in air?
A: Approximately 343 m/s at 20°C. It varies with temperature and medium density.

Q3: How does medium affect wave speed?
A: Different media have different properties that affect wave speed. For example, sound travels faster in water than in air.

Q4: Can this calculator be used for light waves?
A: Yes, the same equation applies to electromagnetic waves like light, though the speed in vacuum is constant (~3×10⁸ m/s).

Q5: What if I only know period instead of frequency?
A: Frequency is the reciprocal of period (f = 1/T). You can calculate frequency first then use this calculator.