How to Use the Frequency Calculator
- Enter the wavelength of the wave in meters. For example, the wavelength of visible light ranges from about 400 nm (violet) to 700 nm (red).
- Enter the wave speed. For electromagnetic waves in vacuum, use the speed of light (299,792,458 m/s). For sound waves in air at room temperature, use approximately 343 m/s.
- Click the "Calculate" button to compute the frequency.
- The result will be displayed in Hertz (Hz), which is equivalent to cycles per second.
Principle Explained
The relationship between frequency (f), wavelength (λ), and wave speed (v) is given by the formula: f = v/λ. This fundamental relationship shows that frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional when wave speed is constant.
Examples
- Example 1: If light with a wavelength of 500 nm (0.0000005 m) travels in a vacuum, its frequency is approximately 599,800,000,000 Hz (or 599.8 THz).
- Example 2: If sound waves with a wavelength of 1 meter travel through air at room temperature (343 m/s), their frequency is 343 Hz.
Applications
This calculator is useful in various fields including:
- Physics and engineering for analyzing wave phenomena
- Telecommunications for frequency planning
- Optics for understanding light behavior
- Acoustics for sound wave analysis