Wave Properties Calculator
Enter wave speed and frequency to compute wavelength and period. Sound v=343, f=440 → λ≈0.78 m.
Input Data
Results
At a glance:Wavelength λ is the distance between two adjacent points of the same phase. The period T is the time for one complete cycle. Wave speed v=λ·f. Properties: (1) higher frequency → shorter wavelength (inverse); (2) wave speed is set by the medium and is independent of frequency (non-dispersive); (3) all electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light in vacuum. Applications: (1) sound (audible 20 Hz-20 kHz, wavelength 17 m-17 mm); (2) light (red 700 nm to violet 400 nm); (3) radio (FM 100 MHz → wavelength 3 m); (4) microwaves (2.45 GHz → 12 cm); (5) seismic waves.
Formula
Wavelength: λ = v / f
Period: T = 1 / f
Wave speed: v = λ · f
$$\lambda = \frac{v}{f}, \quad T = \frac{1}{f}, \quad v = \lambda f$$How to Use
- Enter the wave speed v (m/s).
- Enter the frequency f (Hz).
- The tool computes the wavelength λ and period T.
Case Studies
Music and acoustics
Pitch: A4=440 Hz (concert A), wavelength 0.78 m. Low C4=262 Hz, wavelength 1.31 m.
Higher pitch → shorter wavelength.
Sound localization uses the tiny inter-aural time difference.
Electromagnetic spectrum
Visible light 400-700 nm corresponds to 4.3e14-7.5e14 Hz; red is longest, violet shortest.
Radio: FM 88-108 MHz, wavelength ~3 m; phones 0.9-2.1 GHz, ~14-33 cm.
Each band finds different uses from broadcasting to data.
FAQ
What is wavelength?
The distance between two points of the same phase (e.g. crest to crest). λ=v/f, so it is inversely proportional to frequency for a fixed wave speed.
Does wave speed depend on frequency?
In a non-dispersive medium (e.g. sound in air, EM in vacuum) no — speed is set by the medium. In dispersive media (e.g. light in glass, water waves) it does vary with frequency.
How is period related to frequency?
T=1/f. A 440 Hz tone has a period of about 2.27 ms; the higher the frequency, the shorter the period.
What is a typical wavelength of sound?
In air at 343 m/s, 20 Hz → 17.2 m and 20 kHz → 17 mm, so audible sound spans roughly 17 m down to 17 mm.
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References
Content review: Calculatorism Science Team. Results are for reference only; please refer to the relevant authorities for the official figures.