The relationship between wavelength, speed, and frequency is described by the equation:
Speed = Wavelength x Frequency
This equation is commonly known as the wave equation or the wave speed equation. It relates the three key properties of a wave: wavelength (λ), frequency (f), and speed (v). Here's a breakdown of each property:
Wavelength (λ): Wavelength is the distance between two corresponding points on a wave, such as two adjacent crests or troughs. It is typically represented by the Greek letter lambda (λ) and is measured in units like meters (m) or centimeters (cm).
Frequency (f): Frequency refers to the number of complete cycles or oscillations of a wave that occur per unit of time. It is measured in hertz (Hz), which represents the number of cycles per second. The frequency is denoted by the letter f.
Speed (v): Speed refers to the rate at which a wave propagates through a medium. It represents how quickly the wave travels from one point to another. The speed of a wave is denoted by the letter v and is measured in units such as meters per second (m/s) or kilometers per hour (km/h).
According to the wave equation, the speed of a wave is equal to the product of its wavelength and frequency. In other words:
v = λ x f
This equation shows that if the wavelength increases while the frequency remains constant, the speed of the wave will increase. Conversely, if the wavelength decreases while the frequency remains constant, the speed of the wave will decrease.
It's important to note that the wave equation holds true for electromagnetic waves, such as light waves, as well as other types of waves, including sound waves. However, the specific values of speed, wavelength, and frequency will vary depending on the nature of the wave and the medium through which it travels.