Wave Speed Equation:
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Wave speed is the distance a wave travels per unit time. It's a fundamental concept in physics that describes how fast a wave propagates through a medium.
The calculator uses the wave speed equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows that wave speed equals the product of frequency and wavelength.
Details: Calculating wave speed is essential in fields like acoustics, optics, and telecommunications. It helps determine how waves behave in different media.
Tips: Enter frequency in Hertz (Hz) and wavelength in meters (m). Both values must be positive numbers.
Q1: Does wave speed depend on the medium?
A: Yes, wave speed varies with the properties of the medium (density, elasticity, etc.).
Q2: What's the speed of sound in air?
A: Approximately 343 m/s at 20°C, but it varies with temperature and humidity.
Q3: What's the speed of light in vacuum?
A: Exactly 299,792,458 m/s (a defined constant in physics).
Q4: Can wave speed be greater than light speed?
A: No, according to Einstein's theory of relativity, nothing can exceed the speed of light in vacuum.
Q5: How does frequency relate to energy?
A: For electromagnetic waves, energy is directly proportional to frequency (E = hf, where h is Planck's constant).