Frequency Calculator

f = v/λ | v = fλ | T = 1/f | Wave speed, wavelength, period | Physics Tool

Result

📝 Step-by-step solution

Select calculation type and enter values

📖 How to Use This Frequency Calculator

Select what you want to calculate - Frequency (f), Wavelength (λ), Wave Speed (v), or Period (T).

Enter the known values - For frequency: wave speed and wavelength. For wavelength: wave speed and frequency. For wave speed: frequency and wavelength. For period: frequency.

Click "Calculate" - Get your result with a complete step-by-step solution.

📡 Understanding Wave Properties

Frequency (f) is the number of wave cycles that pass a fixed point per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). Wavelength (λ) is the distance between consecutive wave crests (meters). Wave speed (v) is how fast the wave travels (m/s). Period (T) is the time for one complete cycle (seconds), related by T = 1/f.

📊 Wave Formulas

Frequency: f = v / λ
Wavelength: λ = v / f
Wave Speed: v = f × λ
Period: T = 1 / f

🔬 Real-World Wave Examples

Sound Waves: Speed ≈ 343 m/s in air. Human hearing: 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
Radio Waves: FM radio: 88-108 MHz, wavelength ≈ 3 meters
Visible Light: Frequency ~ 4-7.5 × 10¹⁴ Hz, wavelength ~ 400-700 nm
WiFi (2.4 GHz): Wavelength ≈ 0.125 meters
Water Waves: Speed depends on depth and gravity

💡 The Electromagnetic Spectrum

Radio Waves: f = 3 kHz - 300 GHz, λ = 1 mm - 100 km
Microwaves: f = 300 MHz - 300 GHz, λ = 1 mm - 1 m
Infrared: f = 300 GHz - 430 THz, λ = 700 nm - 1 mm
Visible Light: f = 430-750 THz, λ = 400-700 nm
X-rays: f = 30 PHz - 30 EHz, λ = 0.01-10 nm

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

Frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional. As frequency increases, wavelength decreases (for constant wave speed).

What is the speed of light in vacuum?

Light speed in vacuum: c = 299,792,458 m/s ≈ 3×10⁸ m/s. In water: ~225,000,000 m/s (75% of c).

How does temperature affect sound speed?

Sound speed in air increases with temperature: v ≈ 331 + 0.6×T (m/s). At 20°C: 343 m/s.

What is the Doppler effect?

The Doppler effect is the change in frequency when a wave source moves relative to an observer. Used in radar, ultrasound, and astronomy.