1. What is the Wavelength Formula?

The wavelength formula relates the wavelength (λ) of a wave to its velocity (v) and frequency (f). It is a fundamental equation in wave physics that applies to all types of waves, including sound waves, light waves, and water waves.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the wavelength formula:

Where:

• \( \lambda \) — Wavelength (meters)
• \( v \) — Wave velocity (meters per second)
• \( f \) — Wave frequency (hertz)

Explanation: The formula shows that wavelength is inversely proportional to frequency when velocity is constant. Higher frequency waves have shorter wavelengths.

3. Importance of Wavelength Calculation

Details: Calculating wavelength is essential in many fields including telecommunications, acoustics, optics, and radio astronomy. It helps in designing antennas, musical instruments, optical devices, and understanding wave propagation.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter wave velocity in m/s and frequency in Hz. Both values must be positive numbers. For electromagnetic waves in vacuum, use speed of light (299,792,458 m/s) as velocity.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the speed of sound in air?
A: Approximately 343 m/s at 20°C (68°F), but it varies with temperature, humidity, and altitude.

Q2: What is the speed of light in vacuum?
A: Exactly 299,792,458 m/s (often rounded to 3×10⁸ m/s for calculations).

Q3: How does wavelength relate to color?
A: In visible light, different wavelengths correspond to different colors (violet ~400nm to red ~700nm).

Q4: What's the range of audible sound wavelengths?
A: For humans (20Hz-20kHz), wavelengths range from ~17m (20Hz) to ~1.7cm (20kHz) in air.

Q5: Can this formula be used for all wave types?
A: Yes, it applies to mechanical waves (sound, water waves) and electromagnetic waves, though the velocity differs.