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Mendeleev · Physics

Wavelength, frequency and wave speed

For a wave travelling in a given medium, frequency and wavelength are linked by the propagation speed. If the speed stays constant, higher frequency means shorter wavelength.

Formula usedv = fλ
Calculate

Wavelength, frequency and wave speed

What do the symbols mean?

vwave speed
ffrequency
λwavelength

Two worked examples

Example 1

A 440 Hz sound wave travelling at 343 m/s has wavelength λ = 343/440 = 0.780 m.

Example 2

Light at 600 nm in vacuum corresponds to about 5.00 × 10¹⁴ Hz.

Good to knowWavelength is written λ and frequency f; wave speed is often v or vw.

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