Sound Wavelength Calculator
Calculate sound wavelength, frequency, and speed using the wave equation λ = v/f
Calculate Sound Wave Properties
Speed of sound: 343 m/s in Air at 20°C (68°F)
Number of wave cycles per second
Wavelength Results
Formula used: λ = v/f (wavelength = speed/frequency)
Medium: Air at 20°C (68°F) (343 m/s)
Example: Human Voice Wavelength
Given Information
Average frequency of woman's voice: 210 Hz
Medium: Air at 20°C
Speed of sound in air: 343 m/s
Calculation
λ = v/f
λ = 343 m/s ÷ 210 Hz
λ = 1.633 m
Result Interpretation
The wavelength of a woman's voice is approximately 1.63 meters, which is within the audible sound range.
Sound Frequency Ranges
Infrasound
< 20 Hz
Elephants, earthquakes, volcanoes
Audible Sound
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Human hearing range
Ultrasound
> 20 kHz
Medical imaging, animal sonar
Speed of Sound
Sound travels faster in denser materials and at higher temperatures.
Wave Equation Formulas
λ = v/f
Wavelength
f = v/λ
Frequency
v = f × λ
Speed
λ: Wavelength (m)
v: Speed of sound (m/s)
f: Frequency (Hz)
Understanding Sound Waves and Wavelength
What is Sound Wavelength?
Sound wavelength is the distance between two consecutive points in a sound wave that are in phase, such as two consecutive peaks or troughs. It's measured in meters and is inversely related to frequency.
Wave Relationship
- •Higher frequency = shorter wavelength
- •Lower frequency = longer wavelength
- •Speed depends on the medium properties
- •Temperature affects speed in gases
Sound Wave Equation
λ = v/f
- λ (lambda): Wavelength in meters
- v: Speed of sound in the medium (m/s)
- f: Frequency in Hertz (Hz)
Remember: The speed of sound is constant in a given medium at a specific temperature, so frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional.
Applications of Sound Wavelength
Medical Ultrasound
Uses high-frequency sound waves (1-15 MHz) with very short wavelengths to create detailed images of internal body structures.
Acoustic Design
Understanding wavelengths helps in designing concert halls, recording studios, and noise control systems for optimal sound quality.
Animal Communication
Many animals use specific frequency ranges for communication. Elephants use infrasound (long wavelengths) to communicate over vast distances.