+7 votes
in Waves physics by
edited by

Your answer

Your name to display (optional):
Privacy: Your email address will only be used for sending these notifications.
+1 vote
by

The speed of waves is generally dependent on the medium through which they are propagating. However, for certain types of waves, such as electromagnetic waves (including visible light), the speed of propagation is constant in a given medium.

For electromagnetic waves in a vacuum or air, the speed of light is approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (km/s). This speed is constant regardless of the wavelength or frequency of the light wave.

When considering other types of waves, such as mechanical waves (e.g., sound waves), the relationship between wavelength and speed can vary depending on the specific properties of the medium.

In general, for mechanical waves in a homogeneous medium (like a string, for example), the speed of the wave is inversely proportional to the wavelength. This means that if the wavelength of a mechanical wave decreases, its speed generally increases. Conversely, if the wavelength increases, the speed of the wave generally decreases.

This relationship between wavelength and speed can be observed in various scenarios. For example, in sound waves traveling through air, shorter wavelengths (higher frequency) tend to result in higher speeds, while longer wavelengths (lower frequency) tend to correspond to lower speeds.

It's important to note that this relationship may not hold true in all situations, as wave behavior can become more complex in different media or under specific conditions.

Welcome to Physicsgurus Q&A, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of the community.
...