Wavelength Calculator
Calculate wavelength from frequency and vice versa.
Using speed of light (c) = 299,792,458 m/s
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Explore the Electromagnetic Spectrum
This calculator is an essential tool for physics and engineering, demonstrating the inverse relationship between the wavelength and frequency of an electromagnetic wave. Using the constant speed of light, it allows you to convert from frequency (in Hertz) to wavelength (in meters) and vice versa.
The Wave Equation Explained
The formula governing all electromagnetic waves is: c = λ × f
- c: The speed of light, a constant approximately equal to 299,792,458 meters per second.
- λ (Lambda): The wavelength, which is the spatial period of the wave—the distance over which the wave's shape repeats. Measured in meters (m).
- f: The frequency, which is the number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit of time. Measured in Hertz (Hz).
By rearranging this, we can solve for wavelength (
λ = c / f) or frequency (f = c / λ).
How to Use the Calculator
This is a real-time, two-way converter.
- Enter a value in the Frequency (Hz) field, and the Wavelength (m) field will automatically update.
- Alternatively, enter a value in the Wavelength (m) field, and the Frequency (Hz) field will update.
Real-World Example
A Wi-Fi router operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz (2,400,000,000 Hz).
- Enter
2400000000in the Frequency field. - Calculation:
λ = 299,792,458 / 2,400,000,000≈ 0.125 meters (or 12.5 cm). - The wavelength of a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal is about 12.5 centimeters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the electromagnetic spectrum? It's the range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, from very low-frequency radio waves with long wavelengths to very high-frequency gamma rays with extremely short wavelengths. Visible light is just a small part of this spectrum.
- Does this formula work for sound waves?
The same relationship (
speed = wavelength × frequency) applies to sound waves, but you must replace the speed of light (c) with the speed of sound in the specific medium (e.g., ~343 m/s in air at room temperature). - What are Hertz (Hz)? Hertz is a unit of frequency, meaning 'cycles per second'. A 2.4 GHz signal oscillates 2.4 billion times every second.