Wavelength Formula Explained (λ = v/f)
Master the fundamental wave equation with step-by-step derivations, worked examples for light, sound, and radio waves, plus practical applications in antenna design, acoustics, and spectroscopy.
Physics Articles & Guides
Comprehensive educational resources covering wave physics, electromagnetic radiation, quantum mechanics, acoustics, and RF engineering. Each article includes formulas, worked examples, reference tables, and practical applications.
Core Wave Physics
Frequency to Wavelength Conversion Guide
Step-by-step guide to converting between frequency and wavelength. Includes unit conversion tables, common frequency-wavelength pairs, and worked examples for EM waves, sound, and RF.
Speed of Light, Wavelength & Frequency
How the equation c = λf connects the speed of light to wavelength and frequency. Covers the history of light speed measurement, refractive indices, and the role of c in modern physics.
Quantum & Photon Physics
De Broglie Wavelength Equation Explained
Understand wave-particle duality through the de Broglie relation λ = h/p. Includes particle mass comparisons, wavelength tables at various velocities, and applications in electron microscopy.
Photon Energy and Wavelength (E = hc/λ)
The Planck-Einstein relation connecting photon energy to wavelength. Features energy comparison tables, ionization thresholds, and why UV causes damage but visible light doesn't.
Electromagnetic Spectrum & Light
Electromagnetic Spectrum Wavelengths
Complete EM spectrum reference from gamma rays to radio waves. Detailed tables of wavelength ranges, frequencies, photon energies, penetration properties, and real-world applications for every band.
Visible Light Wavelengths and Colors
The physics of color perception: wavelength-to-color mapping, color temperature, common light source spectra, and how the human eye responds to different wavelengths.
Acoustics & Sound
Sound Wave Wavelength & Frequency
Calculate acoustic wavelengths in air, water, and steel. Covers temperature effects on sound speed, musical note frequencies, room acoustics treatment, and ultrasound applications.
RF Engineering & Spectroscopy
Quarter Wavelength Antenna Calculator
Design antennas for any frequency band. Includes amateur radio band plans, velocity factor tables, wireless standard frequencies, and practical construction guidance for VHF/UHF antennas.
Wavenumber to Wavelength Conversion
Essential for IR and Raman spectroscopy. Convert between cm⁻¹ and wavelength with tables of common absorption bands, functional group peaks, and spectroscopy region boundaries.
Quick Reference
Key formulas and constants used across all articles:
| Topic | Formula | Key Constant |
|---|---|---|
| Wave basics | λ = v / f | c = 299,792,458 m/s |
| De Broglie | λ = h / (m × v) | h = 6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s |
| Photon energy | E = hc / λ | hc = 1240 eV·nm |
| Sound (air) | λ = v_sound / f | v = 331.3 + 0.606T m/s |
| Antenna | L = (λ × VF) / n | VF ≈ 0.95 (wire) |
| Wavenumber | k = 1 / λ | Units: cm⁻¹ or rad/m |