Frequency Calculator

How to Calculate Frequency, Wavelength, and Velocity

Understanding the relationship between frequency, wavelength, and velocity is crucial in various fields of physics and engineering. This calculator helps you determine any one of these parameters when you know the other two.

What is the Formula?

The fundamental formula relating frequency, wavelength, and velocity is:

\[ v = f \times \lambda \]

Where:

• \(v\) is the velocity (in meters per second, m/s)
• \(f\) is the frequency (in Hertz, Hz)
• \(\lambda\) (lambda) is the wavelength (in meters, m)

What are the calculation steps?

1. Identify which two parameters you know and which one you need to calculate.
2. Ensure all units are consistent (e.g., velocity in m/s, frequency in Hz, wavelength in m).
3. Apply the appropriate formula:
   • For frequency: \(f = \frac{v}{\lambda}\)
   • For wavelength: \(\lambda = \frac{v}{f}\)
   • For velocity: \(v = f \times \lambda\)
4. Substitute the known values into the formula and solve for the unknown parameter.

Example Calculation

Let's calculate the frequency of a wave with a velocity of 340 m/s and a wavelength of 2 m:

Given:

• Velocity (\(v\)) = 340 m/s
• Wavelength (\(\lambda\)) = 2 m

Step 1: Identify the formula for frequency

\(f = \frac{v}{\lambda}\)

Step 2: Substitute the known values

\(f = \frac{340 \text{ m/s}}{2 \text{ m}}\)

Step 3: Calculate the result

\(f = 170 \text{ Hz}\)

Therefore, the frequency of the wave is 170 Hz.

Diagram of Wave Properties

The following diagram illustrates the key properties of a wave:

This diagram shows a single wave cycle. The wavelength (λ) is the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs. The frequency (f) is the number of such cycles passing a fixed point per second, and the velocity (v) is the speed at which the wave travels in the direction indicated by the arrow.