How to find wave speed from frequency and wave length.

Wave Speed = Frequency * Wavelength

 
(Note: Make sure you convert the unit of frequency to ‘Hz’ and the unit of wavelength to ‘m’)
 
Yes you can simply use this equation, but understanding the principle will make it much easier for you, and its simple!
 
Imagine instead of calculating the speed of a wave you are calculating your walking speed. You would need to know the number of steps you take per second, and the stride length of each step.
 
If you multiplied the number of steps you take per second with the length of each stride you would know how much distance you cover per second. Simple right?
 
Well its exactly the same with wave speed, where:
 
Frequency = Number of strides per second
Wavelength = Length of each stride
 
So hopefully that equation makes more sense now :)
 
 
So if a wave has a frequency of 100Hz and a wavelength of 40m, you can think of it as if, ou are taking 100 steps per second and each step is 40m.
 
So… 
 
Wave Speed = 40 * 100 = 4000m/s

VK
Answered by Varadhan K. Physics tutor

8141 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain the different sources of background radiation


Houses lose majority of their energy through the roof and windows. State the three methods of energy transfer. For the roof and windows respectively, describe one adaptation that could be made to improve their efficiency and explain their method.


A cyclist travels along a straight flat road. Describe the condition required for the cyclist to continue traveling along the road at a constant speed. How does this condition change if the cyclist travels up a slope?


Why, in a thermal flask, does having a vacuum layer help keep the coffee warm?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences