Frequency, wavelength, and velocity are all fundamental properties of a wave. Here's a brief explanation of each term:
Frequency: Frequency refers to the number of complete cycles or oscillations of a wave that occur in a given time interval. It is measured in hertz (Hz). Frequency determines how many waves pass a specific point in a second. Higher frequencies indicate more oscillations per unit of time, while lower frequencies indicate fewer oscillations.
Wavelength: Wavelength represents the spatial extent of a single cycle of a wave. It is the distance between two consecutive corresponding points on a wave, such as two crests or two troughs. Wavelength is typically denoted by the Greek letter lambda (λ) and is measured in units of length, such as meters (m). Longer wavelengths correspond to lower frequencies, and shorter wavelengths correspond to higher frequencies.
Velocity: Velocity of a wave refers to the speed at which the wave propagates through a medium. It is the rate at which a specific point on the wave moves in a given direction. The velocity of a wave depends on the properties of the medium through which it travels. In a vacuum, electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light, which is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second (m/s).
These three properties are related through the equation:
Velocity = Frequency x Wavelength
This equation indicates that the velocity of a wave is equal to the product of its frequency and wavelength. If you know any two of these properties, you can calculate the third using this equation.