Frequency To Wavelength Calculator

Calculate wavelength from frequency and vice versa for electromagnetic and acoustic waves

Calculate Frequency and Wavelength

Number of oscillations per second

Speed of wave propagation in the medium

Select the medium for automatic velocity setting

Wave Properties Results

0.000e+0
Frequency (Hz)
0.000e+0
Wavelength (m)

Formula used: λ = v / f (or f = v / λ)

Input values:Frequency: 0.000e+0 Hz, Wavelength: 0.000e+0 m, Velocity: 2.998e+8 m/s

Period: T = 0 seconds

Wave Analysis

Example Calculations

Red Light (Visible)

Given: f = 4.62×10¹⁴ Hz, c = 3×10⁸ m/s

Formula: λ = c / f

Calculation: λ = 3×10⁸ / 4.62×10¹⁴

Result: λ = 649 nm (red light)

WiFi Signal (2.4 GHz)

Given: f = 2.4 GHz, c = 3×10⁸ m/s

Formula: λ = c / f

Calculation: λ = 3×10⁸ / 2.4×10⁹

Result: λ = 12.5 cm (microwave)

Sound Wave (440 Hz)

Given: f = 440 Hz, v = 343 m/s (air)

Formula: λ = v / f

Calculation: λ = 343 / 440

Result: λ = 0.78 m (musical note A4)

Wave Equations

Basic Relationship

v = f × λ

Wave velocity = frequency × wavelength

Wavelength

λ = v / f

Wavelength from frequency

Frequency

f = v / λ

Frequency from wavelength

Period

T = 1 / f

Time for one complete oscillation

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Radio Waves:> 1 m
Microwaves:1 mm - 1 m
Infrared:700 nm - 1 mm
Visible:400 - 700 nm
Ultraviolet:10 - 400 nm
X-rays:0.01 - 10 nm
Gamma rays:< 0.01 nm

Common Frequencies

Familiar frequencies and their applications:

AC Power (US):60 Hz
Musical A4:440 Hz
AM Radio:540-1600 kHz
FM Radio:88-108 MHz
WiFi 2.4G:2.4 GHz
Microwave Oven:2.45 GHz
Visible Light:430-750 THz

Understanding Frequency and Wavelength

What is a Wave?

A wave is a periodic motion where energy propagates through space or matter without transferring the material itself. Waves can be electromagnetic (like light) or mechanical (like sound), and they all follow the fundamental relationship between frequency, wavelength, and velocity.

Key Wave Properties

  • Frequency (f): Number of oscillations per second (Hz)
  • Wavelength (λ): Distance between two consecutive peaks
  • Velocity (v): Speed of wave propagation
  • Period (T): Time for one complete oscillation (T = 1/f)

The Wave Equation

Fundamental Relationship

v = f × λ

This equation shows that wave velocity equals frequency times wavelength

Derived Forms

λ = v / f

f = v / λ

These allow calculation of any property when the other two are known

Practical Applications

  • Communications: Radio, TV, WiFi, cellular networks
  • Medical: X-rays, MRI, ultrasound imaging
  • Astronomy: Studying distant stars and galaxies
  • Music: Understanding sound frequencies and acoustics

Medium Effects

  • ⚠️Refraction: Waves bend when entering different media
  • ⚠️Dispersion: Different frequencies travel at different speeds
  • ⚠️Absorption: Some frequencies are absorbed by materials
  • ⚠️Reflection: Waves can bounce off surfaces