Wavelength Calculator - Wave Properties

This physics calculator helps you calculate wavelength using frequency and wave speed. Wavelength is the distance between consecutive points of a wave that are in phase.

Wavelength Definition

• Wavelength: Distance between consecutive wave crests or troughs
• Formula: λ = v/f (Wavelength = Speed ÷ Frequency)
• Units: Meters (m) - SI unit of length
• Relationship: Wavelength and frequency are inversely related

Wavelength Units

• Meter (m): SI unit of wavelength
• Centimeter (cm): 1 cm = 0.01 m
• Millimeter (mm): 1 mm = 0.001 m
• Micrometer (μm): 1 μm = 10⁻⁶ m
• Nanometer (nm): 1 nm = 10⁻⁹ m
• Angstrom (Å): 1 Å = 10⁻¹⁰ m

Wave Types and Wavelengths

• Radio Waves: 1 mm - 100 km
• Microwaves: 1 mm - 1 m
• Infrared: 700 nm - 1 mm
• Visible Light: 400-700 nm
• Ultraviolet: 10-400 nm
• X-Rays: 0.01-10 nm
• Gamma Rays: Less than 0.01 nm

Applications

• Electromagnetic Spectrum: Light, radio, X-rays
• Sound Waves: Audio and acoustic analysis
• Ocean Waves: Tsunami and tidal studies
• Optics: Lens design and diffraction
• Communication: Radio and wireless networks
• Medical Imaging: Ultrasound and X-rays

Important Notes

• Wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional
• Higher frequency = shorter wavelength
• Wavelength depends on the medium (speed of propagation)
• Wavelength determines wave properties (diffraction, interference)
• Wavelength affects energy: E = hc/λ (for photons)

Wavelength Relationships

• Frequency: f = v/λ (Frequency = Speed ÷ Wavelength)
• Wave Speed: v = fλ (Speed = Frequency × Wavelength)
• Energy: E = hc/λ (for photons)
• Momentum: p = h/λ (for photons)
• Wave Number: k = 2π/λ (Angular wave number)

Wavelength Examples

• AM Radio: 200-600 m
• FM Radio: 3 m
• Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz): 12.5 cm
• Visible Light (Green): 550 nm
• UV Light: 100-400 nm
• Medical X-Ray: 0.1 nm

Wavelength Effects

• Diffraction: Longer wavelengths diffract more
• Resolution: Shorter wavelengths provide better resolution
• Penetration: Longer wavelengths penetrate better
• Energy: Shorter wavelengths carry more energy
• Color: Wavelength determines color of light

Wave Properties

• Amplitude: Maximum displacement from equilibrium
• Period: Time for one complete cycle
• Frequency: Number of cycles per second
• Phase: Position in the wave cycle
• Wave Speed: How fast the wave travels