How it’s calculated
A periodic wave advances one wavelength in one period, so its speed is wavelength times frequency. The speed is set by the medium; the frequency is set by the source.
Example (OpenStax University Physics Vol. 1 §16.1): a wave on a string travels 30.00 m in 6.00 s, so v = 5.00 m/s. Driven at 2.00 Hz, its period is 0.500 s and its wavelength is λ = 5.00 ÷ 2.00 = 2.50 m.
For sound in air (343 m/s), middle A at 440 Hz has λ = 343 ÷ 440 ≈ 0.78 m.
Frequently asked questions
Does a higher frequency make a wave travel faster?
No. In a given medium the speed is fixed, so a higher frequency means a shorter wavelength.
Can I use this for light?
Yes. Use v = 299,792,458 m/s in vacuum. Green light at 5.45 × 10¹⁴ Hz has a wavelength of about 550 nm (0.00055 mm).
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Sources
- University Physics Volume 1, §16.1 Traveling Waves — OpenStax
- College Physics 2e, §16.9 Waves — OpenStax
- CODATA value: speed of light in vacuum — NIST
Formulas are taken from the free public references above. Results are provided “as is” for informational and educational purposes only. See our disclaimer.
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