Wavelength Physics Example 1

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 1

easy

A wave has a speed of

340 \text{ m/s}

and a frequency of

170 \text{ Hz}

. What is the wavelength?

Solution

1
Use the wave equation: $v = f\lambda$ .
2
Rearrange for wavelength: $\lambda = \frac{v}{f}$ .
3
$\lambda = \frac{340}{170} = 2 \text{ m}$

Answer

\lambda = 2 \text{ m}

Wavelength is the distance between consecutive identical points on a wave (e.g., crest to crest). It is inversely proportional to frequency for a given wave speed.

About Wavelength

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive identical points on a wave, such as from one peak to the next peak or one trough to.

Learn more about Wavelength →

More Wavelength Examples

Example 2 medium

Red light has a wavelength of [formula] in a vacuum. What is its frequency? Use [formula].

Example 3 easy

A water wave has a wavelength of [formula] and a period of [formula]. What is the wave speed?

Example 4 medium

A sound wave has frequency 440 Hz and travels at 343 m/s. Find the wavelength.

Example 5 medium

A radio station broadcasts at [formula]. What is the wavelength of the signal? Use [formula].

← All Wavelength Examples Wavelength Concept

Related Concepts

Waves Frequency Wave Speed