1. What is Wavelength?

Wavelength is the distance between successive crests of a wave, especially points in a sound wave or electromagnetic wave. It is commonly designated by the Greek letter lambda (λ).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the wavelength formula:

Where:

• \( \lambda \) — Wavelength (meters)
• \( c \) — Speed of wave (m/s), typically speed of light (3×10⁸ m/s) for electromagnetic waves
• \( f \) — Frequency (Hz)

Explanation: The wavelength is inversely proportional to the frequency - higher frequencies have shorter wavelengths.

3. Importance of Wavelength Calculation

Details: Wavelength calculations are essential in physics, engineering, telecommunications, and many other fields where wave phenomena are important.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter frequency in Hertz (Hz) and speed of wave in meters per second (m/s). For electromagnetic waves in vacuum, use speed of light (3×10⁸ m/s).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?
A: They are inversely proportional - as frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa.

Q2: What are typical wavelength ranges for visible light?
A: Approximately 380-750 nanometers (violet to red).

Q3: Does wavelength change in different media?
A: Yes, wavelength changes when a wave enters a different medium, though frequency remains constant.

Q4: How is wavelength related to energy?
A: For electromagnetic waves, shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy photons (E = hc/λ).

Q5: Can this calculator be used for sound waves?
A: Yes, but use the speed of sound in the medium (about 343 m/s in air at 20°C) instead of speed of light.