Home Back

Calculating Speed Of A Wave

Wave Speed Equation:

\[ V = f \times \lambda \]

Hz
m

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From: To:

1. What is Wave Speed?

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.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the wave speed equation:

\[ V = f \times \lambda \]

Where:

Explanation: The equation shows that wave speed equals the product of frequency and wavelength.

3. Importance of Wave Speed Calculation

Details: Calculating wave speed is essential in fields like acoustics, optics, and telecommunications. It helps determine how waves behave in different media.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter frequency in Hertz (Hz) and wavelength in meters (m). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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).

Calculating Speed Of A Wave© - All Rights Reserved 2025