Physics Calculators
Wavelength Calculator
This wavelength calculator is a tool that can help you determine the relationship between frequency and wavelength.
Wavelength Calculator
Table of contents
Waves' main properties
The three main properties of waves are frequency, wavelength, and velocity.
Wave velocity (v) refers to how fast waves propagate in a medium. It is measured in meters per second.
Wavelength (λ) refers to the distance that a wave repeats. It is dependent on the medium through which a wave travels. It is measured in meters.
The frequency (f) of a wave refers to how many times, per a given time duration, the particles of a medium vibrate during a wave's passage through it. Hertz is the unit of frequency or 1 second.
Wavelength formula
This simple equation describes the relationship between frequency and wavelength:
λ = v / f
How do you calculate wavelength?
It's easy! Use our wavelength calculator to find the right wavelength.
Find the frequency of the wave, e.g., f = 10 MHz. This frequency is part of the radio waves spectrum.
Select the wave's velocity. Our calculator defaults to 299,792,458 m/s, which is the speed at which light propagates in a vacuum.
These values can be substituted into the wavelength equation λ = v / f.
Calculate the result. The wavelength in this example will equal 29,98 m.
This tool can also be used as a frequency calculator. To get the result, simply type the wavelength and velocity values.
Keep in mind that frequency doesn't change as you move from one medium into another. You can use the wavelength formula with a different frequency and velocity to solve complex problems with multiple mediums.
Typical wave speeds
Below are some examples of wave velocity values. To find out the wavelength of red light within the water, type them into our wavelength calculator.
Light in air, vacuum: 299,792,458 m/s
Light in water: 224,901,000 m/s
Sound in the air: 343.2 m/s
Sound in water (20°C): 1,481 m/s
What does the light wavelength do to photosynthesis?
The best wavelengths for photosynthesis include those that are colored blue (375-460nm) and red (555-700nm). These wavelengths can be absorbed because they contain the right energy to excite the electrons in the plants' pigments. This is the first step of photosynthesis. This is the reason plants appear green they absorb red and blue light!
What is the relationship between frequency & wavelength?
The equation fλ = c joins frequency (f) with wavelength (l). c is the speed at which light travels. Because the speed of light remains constant, increasing the frequency will cause the wavelength to decrease. This means that frequency is inverse proportion to wavelength.
Which color has the longest wavelength?
Red is the color with the longest wavelength. It has a wavelength of 700 nm. Radio waves are the wave with the longest wavelength. The human eye cannot see, so it does not have a color. Violet is the color with the shortest wavelength at approximately 400 nm.
How can you measure wavelength?
To measure the power of a wave, use a photometer.
Convert energy into joules (J).
To get the frequency of a wave, divide the energy by Planck’s constant (6.626 x 10^-34).
Divide the speed of light (300,000,000 m/s) by the frequency to obtain wavelength.
What wavelength is measured?
Wavelength refers to the distance between two peaks or troughs of a wave and is measured as meters. Waves come in many shapes and sizes. The prefix for meters can vary greatly. It could be km for radio waves or micrometers for visible lights (though often given in nanometers), or picometers to measure gamma radiation.
How can you calculate energy using wavelengths?
Convert your wavelength to meters.
Divide the speed at which light travels, approximately 300,000,000 m/s, by the wavelength in meters. This will give you the wave's frequency.
Multiply the frequency with Planck’s constant. 6.626 x 10^-34. This gives us the wave’s energy in Joules (J).
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Parmis Kazemi
Parmis is a content creator who has a passion for writing and creating new things. She is also highly interested in tech and enjoys learning new things.
Wavelength Calculator English
Published: Wed Apr 27 2022
In category Physics calculators
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