1. What is Wave Speed?

Wave speed is the distance a wave travels per unit time. It's calculated as the product of frequency and wavelength for any wave, including sound waves, light waves, and water waves.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the wave speed 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.

3. Importance of Wave Speed Calculation

Details: Calculating wave speed is essential in physics, engineering, and telecommunications for designing systems that use wave propagation.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter frequency in Hertz (Hz) and wavelength in meters (m). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical wave speeds?
A: Sound waves in air: ~343 m/s; Light in vacuum: 3×10⁸ m/s; Ocean waves: 5-60 m/s.

Q2: Does wave speed depend on medium?
A: Yes, wave speed changes with medium properties like density and elasticity.

Q3: How does frequency affect wave speed?
A: In a given medium, wave speed is constant regardless of frequency. Higher frequency means shorter wavelength.

Q4: Can this calculator be used for all wave types?
A: Yes, the equation applies to all periodic waves, though some waves may have additional factors.

Q5: What if I know speed and need frequency or wavelength?
A: You can rearrange the equation: \( f = v/\lambda \) or \( \lambda = v/f \).