Wave Properties Calculators
Analyze the key characteristics of wave motion—speed, frequency, period, and wavelength.
Wavelength Calculator
Calculate wavelength (λ) using wave speed and frequency.
Wave Visualization
Results
λ = v / f
Wavelength (λ):
—
meters (m)
Substituted Formula:
λ = v / f = ? m/s / ? Hz = ? m
Example Applications
- FM radio waves (88-108 MHz) have wavelengths of ~2.8-3.4 meters
- Visible light wavelengths range from ~380 nm (violet) to ~740 nm (red)
- Audible sound waves in air range from ~17 mm to ~17 m
Understanding Wave Properties
Key Relationships
- Wave Speed (v): Rate at which a wave travels through a medium, measured in meters per second (m/s).
- Frequency (f): Number of complete wave cycles passing a point per second, measured in hertz (Hz).
- Wavelength (λ): Distance between two consecutive corresponding points on a wave, measured in meters (m).
- Period (T): Time taken to complete one full cycle, measured in seconds (s).
Formula Relationships
- v = f × λ (Wave Speed = Frequency × Wavelength)
- λ = v / f (Wavelength = Wave Speed / Frequency)
- f = v / λ (Frequency = Wave Speed / Wavelength)
- T = 1 / f (Period = 1 / Frequency)
Types of Waves
Mechanical Waves
Require a medium to travel through. Examples include sound waves, water waves, and seismic waves. The wave speed depends on the properties of the medium.
Electromagnetic Waves
Can travel through a vacuum. Examples include light, radio waves, and X-rays. All electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light (c) in a vacuum.